Best synonym for autocrat

A-President

B-Authority

C-Anarchist

D-Dictator

The correct answer is Option D - Dictator.

The Cambridge dictionary defines 'autocrat' [Greek, 'auto' = self + 'kratos' = power = 'autokrates'] as 'a ruler with unlimited power, or someone who demands that people completely obey them'. While initially some rulers [eg: emperors, tsars] chose it for their titles, the term has gained negative connotations in modern times, as it indeed refers to absolute political power seized by a person [or a small group of elites] with the aim of advancing their own interests with limited [if any] accountability.

Similarly, the etymology behind 'dictator' reveals the type of power wielded by the person designated for the position - in Ancient Rome, a dictator [Latin, 'dicto' = to dictate + 'or' = one who dictates] was granted full powers when the Republic was deemed in danger. The positive connotations of the high-minded responsibility this position entailed were also lost over time, as 20th century dictators such as Hitler, Stalin or Mao Zedong made the term synonymous with highly oppressive regimes characterised by the suppression of civil liberties, cult of personality around the dictator himself, political repression, strict control of the mass-media, anti-intellectualism, rejection of the rule of law etc.

Thus, the correct answer can neither be A [there are limits to a President's power - eg: they serve for a set term-, as they are answerable to the citizens who elected them, whose interests they are sworn to protect], nor B [authority, the right to exercise power, is essentially just a tool, whereas the term 'autocrat' refers to a specific way in which that tool is used] nor C [an anarchist is someone who does not believe in hierarchy or authority; the concept of anarchy is, therefore, antithetical to that of autocracy], but D, Dictator.