1. in a manner relating to or characteristic of an oligarchy; in a way controlled by a small group of people or families
Usage: formal; political

Examples

• The country was governed oligarchically, with power concentrated in the hands of a wealthy elite.
• The corporation operated oligarchically, with decisions made by a small board of executives.
• The region's resources were distributed oligarchically among a few dominant families.
• The system functioned oligarchically despite claims of democratic representation.
• Power was exercised oligarchically throughout the colonial period.