autarch
Self-sufficient sovereign
An autarch is an absolute ruler—one who governs with unlimited authority, answerable to no one.
The word emphasizes self-derived power: the autarch rules by their own right, not by consent or delegation.
The emperor styled himself an autarch, beyond the reach of law or custom.
In fantasy and science fiction, autarch often names tyrants of galactic or otherworldly realms.
Sole wielder of power
- despotRuler with absolute power
- tyrantCruel, absolute ruler
- dictatorRuler with total control
- emperorMale ruler of empire
sovereign · potentate · overlord · czar · tsar · sultan · caliph · imperator
Unjust exercise of power
- totalitarianismState controls everything absolutely
- despotismAbsolute one-person rule
- absolutismUnrestricted governmental authority
- authoritarianismConcentrated, unchecked governmental power
repression · censorship · coercion · suppression · regime · propaganda · purge · iron fist
Governing principle or standard
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- dominionAuthority to rule
- jurisdictionLegal authority's scope
administration · decree · edict · fiat · mandate · directive · proclamation · ordinance
Governance without outside control
- self-governanceIndependent management of affairs
- independenceFreedom from external control
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
self-reliance · self-sufficient · isolationism · nonalignment · separatism · secession · breakaway · self-contained
Total, without qualification
- supremeHighest in authority
- unlimitedWithout bounds or restrictions
- unchallengedFacing no opposition
- undividedNot separated into parts
omnipotence · dominance · control · centralization · hegemony · preeminence · monopoly · imperium
autocrat
Sole wielder of power
emperor · sovereign · potentate · overlord · czar · tsar · sultan · caliph · imperator · supremo
oppression
Unjust exercise of power
- totalitarianismState controls everything absolutely
- despotismAbsolute one-person rule
- absolutismUnrestricted governmental authority
authoritarianism · repression · censorship · coercion · suppression · regime · propaganda · purge · iron fist · cult of personality
rule
Governing principle or standard
jurisdiction · administration · decree · edict · fiat · mandate · directive · proclamation · ordinance · sovereignty
self-rule
Governance without outside control
- self-governanceIndependent management of affairs
- independenceFreedom from external control
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
sovereignty · self-reliance · self-sufficient · isolationism · nonalignment · separatism · secession · breakaway · self-contained · self-standing
absolute
Total, without qualification
- supremeHighest in authority
- unlimitedWithout bounds or restrictions
- unchallengedFacing no opposition
undivided · omnipotence · dominance · control · centralization · hegemony · preeminence · monopoly · imperium · unilateral
autarchdemocrat
Advocate for popular rule
parliamentarian · republican · collectivist · council member · committee
autarchfigurehead
Nominal leader, no authority
puppet ruler · constitutional monarch · puppet · titular head · mouthpiece
autarchsteward
Manager for another
public servant · elected official · representative · delegate · subject