regime
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for regime, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A government in power, especially one seen as authoritarian.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use regime
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French regime, from Latin regimen, "direction, government." It is a doublet of regimen.
Full origin of regime →Frequently asked questions
What does “regime” mean?
The word “regime” means a government in power, especially one seen as authoritarian. In plain terms, a system of government or rule, often used with a negative tone when describing harsh or oppressive governments.
How do you pronounce “regime”?
“Regime” is pronounced ruh-ZHEEM (/ɹəˈʒiːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “regime” in a sentence?
Here is “regime” used in a sentence: “The regime cracked down harshly on protesters.”
What part of speech is “regime”?
“Regime” is a noun.
Where does the word “regime” come from?
The word “regime” comes from Latin. From Middle French regime, from Latin regimen, "direction, government." It is a doublet of regimen.
Is “regime” a common word?
“Regime” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “regime” have?
“Regime” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a government in power, especially one seen as authoritarian.
What is the difference between 'regime' and 'regimen'?
'Regime' usually refers to a government in power, often an authoritarian one, or to a system of rules governing something. 'Regimen' refers specifically to a planned routine, especially for health, such as a diet or exercise regimen, though 'regime' is sometimes used loosely for a routine too.
What is the difference between 'regime' and 'government'?
'Government' is a neutral term for the body that runs a country, while 'regime' often carries a negative tone, suggesting a government that is authoritarian, unelected, or oppressive. Calling a government a 'regime' typically signals disapproval.
Is calling a government a 'regime' negative?
Yes, describing a government as a 'regime' usually carries a critical or hostile connotation, implying that it rules harshly or without legitimacy. Neutral or approving descriptions are more likely to use 'government' or 'administration.'