as in tyrant
a person who uses power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way
the despot exiled political dissidents to remote labor camps, where they were left to rot
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of despot
The despot’s dilemma Iran’s cameras have been repeatedly hacked over the past few years.
—
Dake Kang,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2026
Thus, to be real peace-makers, whether Christian or not, responsible leaders need to be aware that the approach of pacifism often paves the way for dictators and despots to inflict more and more violence.
—
Bill Keane,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2026
Despite his progressive views, he was widely seen as an authoritarian and a despot.
—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
14 Mar. 2026
These despots will continue to lash out at America.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despot
Dake Kang,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2026
Thus, to be real peace-makers, whether Christian or not, responsible leaders need to be aware that the approach of pacifism often paves the way for dictators and despots to inflict more and more violence.
—
Bill Keane,
Hartford Courant,
15 Mar. 2026
Despite his progressive views, he was widely seen as an authoritarian and a despot.
—
Christopher Vourlias,
Variety,
14 Mar. 2026
These despots will continue to lash out at America.
—
Voice Of The People,
New York Daily News,
4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for despot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despot
Noun
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These were the grounds of revolution in 1776 and what colonists held to be the markings of a tyrant.
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Aegon, dragged out of King’s Landing by spymaster Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) in an effort to save him from the fratricidal Aemond, gets an up-close look at the petty tyrants who have sprouted up in the countryside thanks to his impetuous rule.
Noun
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Its flint-hearted ferocity was a return to what the dynasts of the past—warlords, kings, and dictators—would find routine.
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And following the ousting of longtime dictator Bashir Al-Assad, Syria continues to have armed conflict and sectarian violence.
Cite this Entry
“Despot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despot. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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