dictatorial

[dik-tuh-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-]

adjective

1. of or relating to a dictator or dictatorship.

2. appropriate to, or characteristic of, a dictator; absolute; unlimited.

   dictatorial powers in wartime.

   Synonyms: totalitarian

3. inclined to dictate or command; imperious; overbearing.

   a dictatorial attitude.

   Synonyms: autocratic, tyrannical, despotic

dictatorial

/ ˌdɪktəˈtɔːrɪəl /

adjective

1. of or characteristic of a dictator

2. tending to dictate; tyrannical; overbearing

Other Word Forms

• dictatorially adverb
• dictatorialness noun
• nondictatorial adjective
• nondictatorially adverb
• nondictatorialness noun
• semidictatorial adjective
• semidictatorially adverb
• semidictatorialness noun
• undictatorial adjective
• undictatorially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of dictatorial¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; from Latin dictātōri(us) (from dictā(re) “to say repeatedly, order, prescribe” + -tōrius -tory ¹ ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The framers gave legislators the power of the purse to ensure the president couldn’t acquire the dictatorial powers of a king.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The AAU’s dictatorial control forced athletes into penury and enriched its leaders.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The unique factor in the current situation is that in traditional dictatorial regimes, the state directly carries out the repression of opponents.

Read more on Salon

Orbán is a strongman, but he’s much more sophisticated in how he applies his dictatorial powers.

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How can such a playful fellow have dictatorial aspirations?!

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absolute 
• arbitrary 
• arrogant 
• autocratic 
• dogmatic 
• domineering 
• haughty 
• imperious 
• oppressive 
• overbearing 
• totalitarian