dic·ta·to·ri·al (d k t -tôr  -l, -t r-)adj. 1. Tending to dictate; domineering. 2. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a dictator or dictatorship; autocratic. dic ta·tori·al·ly adv.Synonyms: dictatorial, authoritarian, dogmatic, doctrinaire, imperious, overbearing These adjectives mean asserting or tending to assert one's authority or to impose one's will on others. Dictatorial stresses the highhanded, peremptory manner characteristic of a dictator: ordered the staff about in her usual dictatorial manner. Authoritarian implies the expectation of unquestioning obedience: the timid child of authoritarian parents. Dogmatic suggests the imposing of one's will or opinion as though these were beyond challenge: "When people are least sure, they are often most dogmatic" (John Kenneth Galbraith). Doctrinaire implies the imposition of one's theories, beliefs, or doctrines: "They didn't know the facts . . . and I don't think it would've mattered in the slightest if they had. Very doctrinaire" (George V. Higgins). Imperious suggests the arrogant manner of one accustomed to commanding: dismissed my opinion with an imperious gesture. Overbearing implies a tendency to be oppressively or rudely domineering: an overbearing customer demanding to see the manager. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adv. | 1. | dictatorially - in an overbearingly domineering manner; as a dictator; "this manager acts dictatorially toward his colleagues" |
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|