When referring to a system of government that's run by a few elite individuals or a group that has control over society's resources, the term oligarchal is often used. However, there are several other synonyms that can be employed to mean the same thing. Some of these include aristocratic, elitist, hierarchical, cabalistic, autocratic, and plutocratic, among others. These words denote a society that's dominated by a small group, who have a significant influence on governance and economic systems. The use of synonyms helps add variety to a piece of writing, making it more engaging and easier for the reader to connect with the content.