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 During the Sengoku period, clan leader Isshin Ashina leads a successful rebellion against the rulers to secure Ashina’s independence. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 At night, Axira leads a secret operation, smuggling the ruler’s Heartfillers — until one mistake results in her execution date, per the book’s synopsis. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 The 2015 action film, set in a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland, stars Theron as warrior Imperator Furiosa, who leads the daring escape of female prisoners from a tyrannical ruler. — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 23 Aug. 2026 Knightsbridge is owned and bred by Godolphin, founded by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoun. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ruler
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruler
  1. monarch
  2. emperor
  3. sovereign
  4. king
Noun
  • Murphy noted that George, however, is the first future monarch to attend a secondary school like Eton in the age of smartphones and social media, requiring even more privacy precautions than in the past.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Prince George’s attendance at Eton College marks the continuation of the future monarch’s education.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of monarch
Noun
  • The bathing station was discovered at the archaeological site of Vrelo-Šarkamen, a fourth-century residential complex that was occupied by the Roman emperor Maximinus Daza during his reign from 310 to 313 CE.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The law favors male heirs, but the emperor and empress have none to offer.
    — Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of emperor
Noun
  • In Norway, the official duties of the sovereign are primarily ceremonial, but the monarch heads Council of State meetings on Fridays and formally opens the new session of the Norwegian Parliament each year.
    — James Frater, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of sovereign
Noun
  • In the resort-view rooms, which start at an ample 535 square feet, the king bed is the focal point, topped with oversized white pillows and crisp white linens imprinted with monarch butterflies, a nod to the area’s colorful inhabitants.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The king arbitrarily gives up his power and divides his kingdom among his children.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 4 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 11 Sep. 2026.

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