Martinet: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who is very strict and demands obedience, especially in a military or formal setting. Often has a negative connotation.

• The new drill sergeant was a real martinet, insisting on perfect discipline at all times
• In the office, she was a martinet about punctuality and paperwork

Describes a person who enforces strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom. Common in political or organizational contexts.

• The country was ruled by an authoritarian leader who tolerated no dissent
• His authoritarian management style left little room for employee creativity

Refers to someone who sets difficult tasks and expects them to be completed, often used in work or school settings. It may or may not carry a negative connotation depending on the context.

• The coach was a tough taskmaster, always pushing the team to its limits
• As a project manager, she’s known as a demanding taskmaster but respects hard work

Used to describe someone who uses power in a cruel or unjust way. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in both political and personal contexts.

• The dictator ruled the nation like a tyrant, crushing any form of opposition
• In the household, he was a petty tyrant, making everyone's lives miserable

A martinet is someone who is very strict and insists on rules and discipline. Use this word in contexts involving strict authority figures.

• The new coach is a real martinet; he expects everyone to follow his rules precisely.
• In the military, Captain Jones was known as a martinet who demanded punctuality and order.

A critic examines and evaluates things like art, literature, or performances. Use this word in contexts involving formal evaluation or review.

• The movie critic gave the latest film a glowing review.
• He's a well-respected art critic known for his insightful analyses of modern paintings.

A nitpicker focuses on small, trivial details and criticizes them. This term is typically used in a negative context to describe overly meticulous behavior.

• Stop being such a nitpicker; the presentation was great overall.
• He has a reputation for being a nitpicker, always pointing out tiny mistakes in others’ work.

A faultfinder is someone who habitually looks for faults, often in a negative way. It usually has a negative connotation.

• No matter how hard the team worked, the manager was a faultfinder who could always find something wrong.
• Living with a faultfinder can be exhausting; they never seem to be satisfied.