absolute monarchy

American  

[ab-suh-loot mon-er-kee] / ˈæb səˌlut ˈmɒn ər ki /

noun

1. a monarchy that is not limited or restrained by laws or a constitution.

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absolute monarchy British  

noun

1. a monarchy without constitutional limits Compare constitutional monarchy

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absolute monarchy Cultural  

1. Rule by one person — a monarch, usually a king or a queen — whose actions are restricted neither by written law nor by custom; a system different from a constitutional monarchy and from a republic. Absolute monarchy persisted in France until 1789 and in Russia until 1917.

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Other Word Forms

• absolute monarch
  noun

Compare meaning

How does absolute-monarchy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• absolute monarchy vs. constitutional monarchy

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

absolute monarchy

Africa's last absolute monarchy, Eswatini-- formerly called Swaziland -- is regularly criticised for its poor human rights record.

From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026

Formerly known as Swaziland, the country is the last absolute monarchy in Africa.

From Barron's ● Nov. 17, 2025

The Vatican is the lone absolute monarchy left in Europe, with Francis wielding supreme legislative, executive and judicial power.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 18, 2023

"Even if they got elected into parliament, they do not have the power to hold the executive accountable, including the absolute monarchy," Zweli Martin Dlamini, the editor of Swaziland News, told the BBC's Newsday programme.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2023

Thus were laid the foundations of an absolute monarchy, which, in the sixteenth century, became the most influential in Europe.

From The Colonization of North America 1492-1783 by Herbert Eugene Bolton