What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
despotic
Example
The king's despotic rule led to widespread suffering and unrest among his people. [despotic: adjective]
Example
The company's management was accused of being despotic and ignoring the needs and concerns of its employees. [despotic: adjective]
autocratic
Example
The CEO's autocratic leadership style made it difficult for employees to voice their opinions. [autocratic: adjective]
Example
The country's autocratic government was criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. [autocratic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Autocratic is more commonly used than despotic in everyday language. Autocratic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while despotic is less common and has a stronger negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between despotic and autocratic?
Both despotic and autocratic are formal words that are typically used in serious and critical contexts, such as politics, history, or social issues.
