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ruler

noun

ˈrü-lər How to pronounce ruler (audio)
Definition of rulernext
as in monarch
one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority the aging ruler agonized over the choice of an heir

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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 ruler In the next slide, the bat is photographed next to a 12-inch ruler, revealing it to be several inches taller than the instrument. — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026 Autocratic rulers need information to head off threats to their power; the CCP’s personnel file system, filled with information about the party’s cadres, is an irreplaceable channel of information for China’s rulers. — Andrew Mertha, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026 House of the Dragon, meanwhile, specified that the prophecy was about a Targaryen ruler who would unite Westeros against a coming darkness from the far north. — Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026 After crash landing on the dark world directly onto the homing beacon, EO and his crazy crew are apprehended by a gang of warrior henchmen and hauled into the throne room to face the wicked alien ruler who is imprisoned in anger and hate. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ruler
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruler
  1. monarch
  2. emperor
  3. sovereign
  4. king
Noun
  • Only the direct children and grandchildren of the current monarch can receive royal titles at birth.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 20 Sep. 2026
  • And now, RadarOnline is reporting that there are some habits of the monarch that have prompted concerns about his health.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of monarch
Noun
  • There will be no more messing around with draggy eye pencils or the emperor’s new eye shadows.
    — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Jingdezhen’s Imperial Kiln Institute researches and restores ceramics excavated from an adjacent complex, where pieces for emperors were crafted in kilns whose remains are still visible today.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of emperor
Noun
  • The couple will remain non-working royals and will not be carrying out any official royal engagements on behalf of the sovereign, the document said.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The former sovereign, 86, who abdicated the throne in 2024, was instead represented by her son and successor, King Frederik, his wife, Queen Mary, his son and heir, Crown Prince Christian, and Queen Margrethe’s younger sister, Princess Benedikte.
    — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of sovereign
Noun
  • But with the king issuing guidance that establishes the Sussexes firmly as private citizens, has the relationship been impacted for the worse?
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Yes, those of us who are both excited and nervous about the promise of AI welcome the prospect of kings and clerics and populist politicians alike standing up to the tech lords — who, frankly, could use some perspectives other than their own.
    — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of king

Browse Nearby Words

rule out
ruler
rulers
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Cite this Entry

“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruler. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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