enlightened absolutism

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noun

A form of 18th-century monarchical rule in which absolute sovereigns pursued legal, social, and educational reforms inspired by the principles of the Enlightenment, while maintaining their full authority.

Example Sentences

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In Austria, the Empress Maria Theresa and, more especially, her son Joseph II, practised an enlightened absolutism and introduced reforms in the class system.

From The Guardian ● Jul. 10, 2013

What is the relation of "enlightened absolutism" to social progress?

From History of Human Society by Frank W. (Frank Wilson) Blackmar

Thesaurus

Possible Synonyms

philosophical kingship
benevolent dictatorship
reformist monarchy
enlightened despotism
benevolent absolutism

Possible Antonyms

Words in our thesaurus

other words

unreformed autocracy
arbitrary despotism
reactionary rule