1
as in clique
a small group of people who exercise control over a country, business, etc.
Critics complain that the government is now dominated by an oligarchy of wealthy businesspeople.
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2
as in empire
government that is controlled by a small group of people
The nation was an oligarchy with election results manipulated to maintain a permanent ruling class.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of oligarchy
This oligarchy is now free to serve their own interests and maximize earnings with government contracts and favorable policies.
—
Linda Thompson Gonzalez, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2025
The proximity of so many of the world’s wealthiest people to Trump’s incoming government led former President Joe Biden to warn of a burgeoning U.S. oligarchy of tech billionaires.
—Thomas Beaumont, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
These are to monopolies as oligarchies — rule by a few — are to monarchies.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2025
This is not a case of regulated privatization or transparent outsourcing but of big oligarchy.
—BÁlint Madlovics, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oligarchy
Linda Thompson Gonzalez, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2025
The proximity of so many of the world’s wealthiest people to Trump’s incoming government led former President Joe Biden to warn of a burgeoning U.S. oligarchy of tech billionaires.
—Thomas Beaumont, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
These are to monopolies as oligarchies — rule by a few — are to monarchies.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2025
This is not a case of regulated privatization or transparent outsourcing but of big oligarchy.
—BÁlint Madlovics, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oligarchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oligarchy
Noun
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Tony Award winner Paloma Young masterminded the musical’s costumes, which are inspired by styles worn by the different teen cliques of ‘90s America, from Grunge and Skater to Preppy, and of course Cher’s iconic yellow and black plaid skirt suit plays a starring role.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
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And their late father managed a local Orlando rap clique.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The other is Bernard Arnault ($178 billion), the wealthiest in France, whose fashion and cosmetics empire LVMH includes the likes of Louis Vuitton and Sephora.—
Monica Hunter-Hart,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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There is a case to be made that Musk’s cozying up to Trump will ultimately benefit Musk’s empire—avoiding regulations that may help with Tesla’s self-driving plans or SpaceX and Starlink contracts, for example.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Myanmar’s junta government doesn’t often want others to intervene in its affairs.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
3 Apr. 2025
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Since seizing power in a coup in February 2021, Myanmar’s military junta has waged a brutal war against its people.—
Teele Rebane,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The oligarchs in Hungary and Russia support the dictatorship with their monetary gains in return for being allowed to remain billionaires.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2025
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The biographical drama is inspired by the lives of Brazilian activist Eunice Paiva and her politician husband Rubens, who was murdered for his dissidence toward the military dictatorship of 1970s Brazil.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Oligarchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oligarchy. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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