What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dictator
Example
The dictator of the country ruled with an iron fist. [dictator: noun]
Example
She acted like a dictator, making all the decisions without considering anyone else's opinion. [dictator: adjective]
tyrant
Example
The tyrant king ruled with fear and intimidation. [tyrant: noun]
Example
He was a tyrant boss who made his employees work long hours without breaks. [tyrant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dictator and tyrant are both used in formal and academic contexts, but dictator is more commonly used in political science and history, while tyrant is more commonly used in literature and the humanities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dictator and tyrant?
Both dictator and tyrant are formal words, but dictator may be used in more neutral or technical contexts, while tyrant is always associated with negative connotations and is used in more emotional or dramatic contexts.
