suzerain

noun

su·​zer·​ain ˈsü-zə-rən 

-ˌrān;

ˈsüz-rən

1

: a superior feudal lord to whom fealty is due : overlord

2

: a dominant state controlling the foreign relations of a vassal state but allowing it sovereign authority in its internal affairs

Examples of suzerain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With very few exceptions, an end was declared, not only to empires, but also to city-states, duchies, principalities, emirates, sultanates, caliphates, khanates, agencies, princely states, colonies, suzerains, dependencies, mandates, tributaries, condominia and protectorates. — Literary Hub, 18 May 2026

Citizens of countries historically exploited by the West face higher financial and bureaucratic hurdles to access facilities and resources concentrated in their former suzerain. — WIRED, 26 Aug. 2022

In buttressing Lukashenko’s regime, Russia became Belarus’s outright suzerain. — Casey Michel, The New Republic, 1 Mar. 2022

Most Somalilanders have known nothing but self-rule and would never consent to reintegrate with their bloody, anarchic suzerain. — The Economist, 8 May 2021

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French souserain, from sus up (from Latin sursum, from sub- up + versum -ward, from neuter of versus, past participle of vertere to turn) + -erain (as in soverain sovereign) — more at sub-, worth

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for suzerain

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• cellophane
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• entertain
• halothane
• hurricane
• hyperplane