statesman

noun

states·man | \ˈstāts-mən

Definition of statesman

1 : one versed in the principles or art of government especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies

2 : a wise, skillful, and respected political leader

Other Words from statesman Example Sentences Learn More about statesman

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Other Words from statesman

statesmanlike \ˈstāts-mən-ˌlīk

\ adjective

statesmanly \ˈstāts-mən-lē

\ adjective

statesmanship \ˈstāts-mən-ˌship

\ noun

Examples of statesman in a Sentence

He was a soldier and statesman.

Recent Examples on the Web

As strong economic growth buoyed his control, Hun Sen began to assume the mantle of statesman and prepared his sons — appointed to important military positions — to be his political successors. — Fox News, "Hun Sen plays hardball to keep his grip on Cambodia," 31 July 2018 He's matured into a senior statesman of the royal family now. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Prince Harry Has Become "More Aloof" Since Marrying Meghan Markle, According to This Royal Photographer," 29 Sep. 2018 Colin Davis, 85, former principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra and one of Britain's elder statesmen of classical music, died in London. — cleveland.com, "Today in History: April 14, 2018," 14 Apr. 2018 The elder statesmen would be too much down low to handle. — Kirkland Crawford, Detroit Free Press, "Who wins if Detroit Pistons, Michigan, MSU created localBig3 league?," 11 July 2018 China’s satisfaction means that, as well as becoming a statesman and seeing fewer military exercises on his doorstep, Mr Kim may also find the sanctions against his regime eased. — The Economist, "Kim Jong Un did better than Donald Trump at the Singapore summit," 14 June 2018 In his new incarnation as an aging statesman, Sadr hasn’t shifted all that much. — Thanassis Cambanis, BostonGlobe.com, "How did Iraq’s Moqtada al-Sadr become a statesman? People just got used to him," 26 May 2018 Abdullah has continued in his father’s tradition as an ally of the U.S. and a statesman advocating for peace, said Heather J. Sharkey, a professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. — Kristin E. Holmes, Philly.com, "Philly-based Templeton Foundation awards $1.45 million religion prize to Jordan's King Abdullah II," 26 June 2018 Even the party’s voters know that these men aren’t great statesmen. — Josephine Huetlin, The New Republic, "Why Do Populists Frequently Get Away With Corruption?," 25 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'statesman.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.