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

Israel has long been fascinated with iconic warrior-statesmen like Rabin, Moshe Dayan and Ariel Sharon. — Aron Heller, The Seattle Times, "Israeli ex-army chief launches campaign to replace Netanyahu," 29 Jan. 2019 Elder feathered statesmen are constantly bickering. — Charlie Theel, Ars Technica, "Root is a terrific—and fully asymmetric—woodland wargame," 29 Sep. 2018 Three plaques recount Muhlenberg’s tripartite life as a clergyman, soldier and statesman. — John Kelly, Washington Post, "A park on Connecticut Avenue NW has a statue of John Muhlenberg. Why?," 7 July 2018 Way back in 431 B.C., soldiers killed in the Peloponnesian War were honored with a public funeral and speech given by Greek statesman Pericles, according to History.com. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "9 Things You Should Know About the History of Memorial Day," 1 May 2018 Martha McSally, on the other hand, had kinder words to offer: John McCain was one of Arizona’s greatest Senators, one of our country’s finest statesmen, and an American hero who risked his life to defend this great nation. — Brian Brinker, Fox News, "Trump Nixed Statement, John McCain Leaves Behind Complicated Legacy," 27 Aug. 2018 Inside was a book on Nelson Mandela, the South African statesman who spent 27 years in prison, and a blank journal for Johnson to chronicle his life as a free man. — Tim Prudente, Washington Post, "Baltimore man exonerated of murder after 30 years in prison," 4 July 2018 For that to gel, today’s statesmen need to overcome a fundamental misunderstanding. — The Economist, "Despite North Korea, arms control is unravelling," 5 May 2018 George Herbert Walker Bush was America's last great soldier-statesman, a 20th century founding father. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Jon Meacham's Eulogy for George H.W. Bush: Read What the President's Biographer Had to Say," 5 Dec. 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.