despot
noun
a king or other ruler with absolute, unlimited power; autocrat.
despots
-
pluralof despot.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
We don’t like despots and dictators and monarchs or anything smacking of royalty.
From Slate ● Feb. 16, 2026
Mr. Loconte outlines how their belief in the God-given dignity of man set them at odds with foreign despots and those in England with similar political designs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 22, 2026
Many of the leaders we put into power became despots we tolerated until they ran their course, like Panama’s Manuel Noriega.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 5, 2026
Some find him to be a joke, while minor and major despots look upon him in a combination of wonder and fellowship.
From Salon ● Mar. 20, 2025
Willoughby was rare—his preference to remain behind the scenes implied the absence of vast personal conceit, a trait essential for two-penny despots.
From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee
