Synonyms for tyrannical
tɪˈræn ɪ kəl, taɪ-tyran·ni·cal

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. tyrannical

   In the strict sense, absolute, free from all limitation or control, and supreme, superior to all, can not properly be said of any being except the divine. Both words are used, however, in a modified sense, of human authorities; absolute then signifying free from limitation by other authority, and supreme exalted over all other; as, an absolute monarch, the supreme court. Absolute, in this use, does not necessarily carry any unfavorable sense, but as absolute power in human hands is always abused, the unfavorable meaning predominates. Autocratic power knows no limits outside the ruler's self; arbitrary power, none outside the ruler's will or judgment, arbitrary carrying the implication of wilfulness and capriciousness. Despotic is commonly applied to a masterful or severe use of power, which is expressed more decidedly by tyrannical. Arbitrary may be used in a good sense; as, the pronunciation of proper names is arbitrary; but the bad sense is the prevailing one; as, an arbitrary proceeding. Irresponsible power is not necessarily bad, but eminently dangerous; an executor or trustee should not be irresponsible; an irresponsible ruler is likely to be tyrannical. A perfect ruler might be irresponsible and not tyrannical. Authoritative is used always in a good sense, implying the right to claim authority; imperative, peremptory, and positive are used ordinarily in the good sense; as, an authoritative definition; an imperative demand; a peremptory command; positive instructions; imperious signifies assuming and determined to command, rigorously requiring obedience. An imperious demand or requirement may have in it nothing offensive; it is simply one that resolutely insists upon compliance, and will not brook refusal; an arrogant demand is offensive by its tone of superiority, an arbitrary demand by its unreasonableness; an imperious disposition is liable to become arbitrary and arrogant. A person of an independent spirit is inclined to resent an imperious manner in any one, especially in one whose superiority is not clearly recognized. Commanding is always used in a good sense; as, a commanding appearance; a commanding eminence. Compare DOGMATIC; INFINITE; PERFECT.

   Synonyms:
   absolute, arbitrary, arrogant, authoritative, autocratic, coercive, commanding, compulsive, compulsory, controlling, despotic, dictatorial, dogmatic, domineering, exacting, haughty, imperative, imperious, irresponsible, lordly, overbearing, peremptory, positive, supreme, unconditional, unequivocal

   Antonyms:
   accountable, complaisant, compliant, conditional, constitutional, contingent, docile, ductile, gentle, humble, lenient, limited, lowly, meek, mild, responsible, submissive, yielding

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. tyrannical

   Synonyms:
   arbitrary, despotic, cruel, severe, high-handed

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. oppressive, tyrannical, tyrannousadjective

   marked by unjust severity or arbitrary behavior

   "the oppressive government"; "oppressive laws"; "a tyrannical parent"; "tyrannous disregard of human rights"

   Synonyms:
   despotic, oppressive, autocratic, authoritarian, dictatorial, tyrannous, tyrannic

   Antonyms:
   submissive, democratic

2. authoritarian, autocratic, dictatorial, despotic, tyrannic, tyrannicaladjective

   characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty

   "an authoritarian regime"; "autocratic government"; "despotic rulers"; "a dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war"; "a tyrannical government"

   Synonyms:
   despotical, overbearing, despotic, high-and-mighty, autocratic, authoritarian, oppressive, bossy, dictatorial, magisterial, peremptory, tyrannous, dominating, tyrannic

   Antonyms:
   submissive, democratic

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. tyrannicaladjective

   Synonyms:
   despotic, arbitrary, imperious, domineering, high, absolute, irresponsible, bound by no law

2. tyrannicaladjective

   Synonyms:
   cruel, severe, oppressive grinding, galling, inhuman

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. tyrannicaladjective

   Synonyms:
   despotic, arbitrary, autocratic, imperious, absolute, dictatorial, domineering, oppressive, tyrannic

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "tyrannical":

   tyrant, despotic, high-handed, oppressive, bossy, authoritarian

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How to use tyrannical in a sentence?

1. Marco Rubio:

   Cuba is a brutal, tyrannical dictatorship 90 miles from the shore of our country.

2. Sean Feucht:

   I thank you Lord that in the midst of a pandemic and tyrannical governors and leaders, Lord you raised up Godly men and women to stand up for our rights, the church, and to stand up for the constitution.

3. Joseph Banister:

   The Internal Revenue Service is everything the so-called tax protesters said it was; nonresponsive, unable to withstand scrutiny, tyrannical, and oblivious to the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

4. House Speaker John Boehner:

   The administration's decree to unilaterally expand federal authority is a raw and tyrannical power grab that will crush jobs, these leaders know firsthand that the rule is being shoved down the throats of hardworking people with no input, and places landowners, small businesses, farmers, and manufacturers on the road to a regulatory and economic hell.

5. Emiliano Zapata:

   Seek justice from tyrannical governments not with your hat in your hand but a rifle in your fist