Synonyms

despotic

American

[dih-spot-ik] / dɪˈspɒt ɪk /

Also despotical

adjective

of, relating to, or of the nature of a despot or despotism; autocratic; tyrannical.

Other Word Forms

despotically adverb
nondespotic adjective
nondespotically adverb
undespotic adjective
undespotically adverb

Etymology

Origin of despotic

1640–50; < French despotique < Greek despotikós. See despot, -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Francisco Franco had heir faces on stamps, currency, and coins during their respective despotic reigns.

From Slate • Dec. 20, 2025

Far from being despotic, Louis sought to be a constitutional monarch, with representative institutions that could mobilize consent and resources behind state policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

Chimpanzees comfort each other when in distress, despite typically being referred to as "violent" and "despotic" when compared to other apes.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2025

Jefferson complained of “useless judges” and described the judiciary as “a despotic branch.”

From New York Times • May 22, 2023

His chest heaved once, as if his large heart, weary of despotic constriction, had expanded, despite the will, and made a vigorous bound for the attainment of liberty.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023