Thesaurus results for POTENTATE

potentate

noun

ˈpō-tᵊn-ˌtāt

Definition of potentate

as in ruler

one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority Charles inherited the position of potentate of the Holy Roman Empire from his grandfather, as well that of king of Spain from his father

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of potentate The game is a playground for Russian oligarchs, Middle Eastern potentates, and Latin American strongmen—his people. — Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2026 Biden put this sentiment into action by working with Netanyahu despite serious moral and political failures in Gaza, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on NATO expansion, and with Gulf potentates on the region’s security architecture. — James Jeffrey, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2025 Why don’t all the rich potentates, sheiks, oligarchs and MAGA dictators meet and fix it? — Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025 But in his mid-80s, King George ponders whether to abdicate and devote his remaining days to finding female companionship (the aging potentate remains potent with the help of Viagra and similar pharmaceuticals). — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for potentate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentate

Noun

Knightsbridge is owned and bred by Godolphin, founded by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoun.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
Using a ruler, measure the drop in water level after one hour.

— Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of ruler

Noun

When Britain's longest-serving monarch died just a few months later in September, the singer was among the stars around the world paying tribute.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
According to People, the 77-year-old monarch hopes his younger son’s return will literally and figuratively bring him closer to Prince William.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of monarch

Noun

Agnatic primogeniture, directly inherited from the Salic Law, stipulates that in the event of death or abdication, the sovereign’s closest male relative is called upon to ascend the throne.

— Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 20 Aug. 2026
Harry has repeatedly suggested that senior courtiers can exert significant influence over the sovereign.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of sovereign

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“Potentate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentate. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of potentate

noun

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