strongman

noun

ˈstrȯŋ-ˌman How to pronounce strongman (audio)
Definition of strongmannext
as in dictator
a person who uses power or authority in a cruel, unjust, or harmful way a Latin-American strongman who basically treated his nation's coffers as his personal bank account

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of strongman The cross was not meant to be a stage prop for strongmen. — Otis Moss Iii, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 Latin America is swinging rightward again, electing presidents who promise to channel the strongmen of yore and rule the region through might, not right. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026 The consumer backlash, which prompted Lululemon to issue an apology and scrub its campaign, is the latest example of how quickly Western brands can come unstuck in a country where nationalism has surged under strongman leader Xi Jinping. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 17 June 2026 Fury outboxed strongman Eddie Hall en route to a majority decision win. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for strongman
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strongman
  1. dictator
  2. tyrant
Noun
  • Trump plans to revive talks over North Korea’s nuclear program and wants to meet with the pariah state’s dictator this year, The Wall Street Journal reported.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Israel has carried out raids and strikes on Syrian territory since al-Assad, Syria's longtime dictator, was ousted in December 2024.
    — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of dictator
Noun
  • Some tin-pot tyrant decides their country really owns part of another and invades.
    — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Esparza plays the unhinged tyrant with a quickness, his bright eyes darting and weaving with each newfangled notion.
    — Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of tyrant

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Cite this Entry

“Strongman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strongman. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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