tyranny
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for tyranny, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Cruel and unjust rule by a single powerful leader or small group.
Synonyms
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.
monocracy
authoritarianism
totalitarianism
shogunate
absolutism
autocracy
despotism
absolute monarchy
tyranthood
Stalinism
Caesarism
Antonyms
How to use tyranny
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
live under tyranny
the tyranny of
Etymology
From Old French tyrannie, ultimately from the Greek word for the rule of an absolute ruler or tyrant.
Full origin of tyranny →Frequently asked questions
What does “tyranny” mean?
The word “tyranny” means cruel and unjust rule by a single powerful leader or small group. In plain terms, harsh, unjust rule, or the system of government carried out by a tyrant.
How do you pronounce “tyranny”?
“Tyranny” is pronounced TUH-ruh-nee (/ˈtɪəɹəni/ in IPA).
How do you use “tyranny” in a sentence?
Here is “tyranny” used in a sentence: “The revolution finally put an end to decades of tyranny.”
What is another word for “tyranny”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tyranny” include autocracy, despotism, dictatorship, absolute monarchy and tyranthood.
What part of speech is “tyranny”?
“Tyranny” is a noun.
Where does the word “tyranny” come from?
The word “tyranny” comes from Old French. From Old French tyrannie, ultimately from the Greek word for the rule of an absolute ruler or tyrant.
Is “tyranny” a common word?
“Tyranny” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
