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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ruler
Edward was the last ruler of the Anglo-Saxon royal line before the Norman Conquest.
—
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Built for the Fourth Dynasty ruler Menkaure, it was completed in the 26th century BC.
—Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
By reaching into the past, the California government acts as ruler rather than as a servant.
—Robertas Bakula, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Optional extras include a leather carrying case, a multifunctional extra-bit-storage ruler, and a set of extension sockets.
—New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Built for the Fourth Dynasty ruler Menkaure, it was completed in the 26th century BC.
—Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
By reaching into the past, the California government acts as ruler rather than as a servant.
—Robertas Bakula, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Optional extras include a leather carrying case, a multifunctional extra-bit-storage ruler, and a set of extension sockets.
—New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruler
Noun
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In a feisty exchange with a Framingham city councilor in late March, Spilka opened up on her resistance to the audit, arguing that DiZoglio is trying to act like a monarch.—
Lance Reynolds,
Boston Herald,
2 May 2026
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May 2, 2026 1 of 10 Who was the only other British monarch besides King Charles III to address a joint meeting of Congress?—
Jeremy Mikula,
NBC news,
2 May 2026
Noun
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Instead of Gladiators fighting for our entertainment, the emperors are shadowboxing before an angry populace.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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The film is based on Frank Herbert’s novel Dune Messiah and sees what happens when Paul becomes emperor.—
Daniel S. Levine,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The sovereign's sceptre with cross The sovereign's sceptre with cross dates back to 1661, when it was first used at the coronation of King Charles II.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
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Legitimate authority Historically, the conversation about a war’s justness began by asking whether a responsible sovereign had declared it.—
Valerie Morkevicius,
The Conversation,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Yet, amid all this anthropological interest in male behavior, a world beloved by men that is organized around the legacy of kings and a single precious metal has been hiding in plain sight, like a white Wakanda.—
Jennifer Wilson,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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One nice feature is that the quad room, which has two sets of bunk beds, can connect to a queen or king to accommodate families.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruler. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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