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

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

From Barron's • Nov. 17, 2025

The 21-year-old daughter of South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma is marrying the Eswatini king for love, a spokesman for Africa's last remaining absolute monarchy has told the BBC.

From BBC • Sep. 4, 2024

Eswatini is an absolute monarchy, and most of the country’s population live below the poverty line.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 4, 2023

Thailand’s military has staged 13 coups since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932 and confrontation between the generals and civilian politicians and activists has been at the heart of recurring instability over the years.

From Reuters • May 22, 2023

Such was the beginning of the absolute monarchy of Captain William Drake.

From A Drake by George! by Trevena, John