Word Finder
What's the word for a government run by a small group of powerful people?
The word you're looking for
An oligarchy is a government controlled by a small group of powerful people. It fits your description exactly and is the standard political term for this idea.
Other words that fit
Use this when you want to stress that the powerful group is rich.
Use this for a small military group that takes control of the government.
Use this for rule by a privileged upper class, especially in historical contexts.
Use this when one person holds all power, not a small group.
Why this word
The best word for a government run by a small group of powerful people is oligarchy. It is the broad, standard term in politics and social studies. Do not confuse it with democracy, where the people vote, or autocracy, where one person rules alone. If you want to show that the group is rich, plutocracy is a better fit. If the group is military, junta is more specific.
In context
- Many critics said the country had become an oligarchy.
- An oligarchy gives power to a few people.
- The history book explains how the oligarchy formed.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Is oligarchy the same as democracy?
- No. Democracy means the people choose leaders. Oligarchy means a small group holds power.
- Is plutocracy a better word than oligarchy?
- Only if money is the main idea. Plutocracy means rule by the rich.
- Can oligarchy mean a business group too?
- Yes, people also use it for any small powerful group controlling a system.