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oligarchical

oligarchical

1 9.1
A government or group controlled by a small number of powerful people who make most decisions
  • adjective
  • /ˌɑlɪˈɡɑrkɪkəl/
translation icon : oligárquico
  • I agree that we are a democratic republic, but we are fast becoming an oligarchical republic.
  • oligarchical capitalism

On the other hand, he didn't really like the oligarchical cities either.

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Examples

  • Many people believe that the recent election reflects an oligarchical system where only a few individuals hold all the power.

  • It's left the door wide open for oligarchical corporatism to destroy the local small market.

    Blog text (10)
  • However, if we continue on the trajectory we have been on, we will eventually reside on an oligarchical planet.

    Blog text (29)
  • For democratization to take root in the Philippines, the formal institutions of government must become more than facades for oligarchical rule.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Formed in the mid-nineteenth century, the Conservative and Liberal parties have faithfully represented the oligarchical power structure that prevails in Colombian society.

    Academic text (1993)
  • The oligarchical control by wealthy elite families has stifled political diversity in the region.

  • Activists are fighting to dismantle the oligarchical structures that limit public participation in governance.

Synonyms

oligarchic
vsoligarchical
2 9.2

A government run by a small group of powerful people

is broader, applying to governments or organizations where power rests with few people

Antonyms

649 3.0

Relating to a system where people vote and have equal rights

2 7.0

A person who wants all people to have equal rights and chances

How Oligarchic

plutocratic
3 8.4
oligarchical
1 9.1
democratic
649 3.0
pluralistic
9 7.3

Surface Forms

oligarchical positive

Morphology

oligarchical = oligarch (transparent) = oligarch + ical

The adjective is predictably formed from the noun 'oligarch' with the productive adjectival suffix '-ical', so the meaning is directly related to oligarchy/oligarchs.

Etymology

Oligarchical comes from Greek parts oligos 'few' and arch 'rule', the same root you see in monarch and anarchy. So an oligarchical system is one where a few people have the power and make the decisions.