1
as in nobility
the highest class in a society
at one time in China only the aristocracy could own land
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in elite
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class
membership in the society is reserved for the literary world's aristocracy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 aristocracy
According to Deirdre Clemente, a fashion and culture historian, the emergence of the suit as the standard for men in the 18th and 19th centuries was itself a rebellion against the ornate, flashy and colorful clothing associated with aristocracy.
—
Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Film clips play silently in windows throughout the room, and even without words guests can sense the tension between old aristocracy and the rising influence of the merchant class.
—Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
But the Westeros aristocracy likely won’t see Baelor as disposable.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
Quick bios have always played up Newsom’s close relationship (and business ties) with the heirs to the Getty oil fortune and links to San Francisco’s political aristocracy.
—Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aristocracy
Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Film clips play silently in windows throughout the room, and even without words guests can sense the tension between old aristocracy and the rising influence of the merchant class.
—Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
But the Westeros aristocracy likely won’t see Baelor as disposable.
—Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
Quick bios have always played up Newsom’s close relationship (and business ties) with the heirs to the Getty oil fortune and links to San Francisco’s political aristocracy.
—Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aristocracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aristocracy
Noun
-
Lagerbielke — or more accurately, the 11th Baron Lagerbielke — is a member of the Swedish nobility and lies 254th in line to the country’s throne.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Known as the Dragon Slayer, he’s often shown meditating, praying, waxing philosophical, and pontificating on nobility, integrity and honor.—
Pamela Chelin,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Scholars and religious leaders argue that Congo’s political elite should emulate Kimbangu’s spirit of personal sacrifice for freedom rather than pursuing self-enrichment at the expense of the nation’s sovereignty.—
Rodney Muhumuza,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
But the Tigers need their staff as a whole to be close to elite to make up for some of the offensive holes.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The nobles and gentry—the billionaires of Tudor England—made fortunes from the reclaimed monastery lands and created a myth of Henry’s military strength and English pride.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Parker will play Mary Washington, George’s strong willed mother, while Rodgers will play Sally Cary, the charming beauty of the Virginia gentry who first sees his potential.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But, a couple of injuries for Blackwood, combined with his own work, has allowed Wedgewood to start 40 games and appear in 42 this season -- easily career-bests at the NHL level.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Rice this season produced career bests in points, field-goal accuracy, rebounds and steals.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One begins to think that the condition is hereditary—that, instead of a Habsburg jaw, the wealthy white denizens of New Orleans high society are saddled with emotional problems.—
Brandy Jensen,
New Yorker,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The traditional theatrical chains are vital to our cohesion as a society, and are duly cautious [about AI].—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Alesi said royalties could generate roughly $19 million a month for Oiapoque, about the equivalent of the city’s total goods and services produced each year, according to Brazil’s statistics institute.—
Gabriela Sá Pessoa,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Alesi said royalties could generate roughly 100 million reais ($19 million) a month for Oiapoque, about the equivalent of the city's total goods and services produced each year, according to Brazil's statistics institute.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Leefbaar Rotterdam, Reichman’s political party, has sought to distance itself from the council member-elect.—
Brooke Migdon,
PEOPLE,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Congratulations to the new members-elect.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Listen to the full episode to hear Misti get into the real solutions being researched right now, including ritualistic atomic priesthood, songs, and stories.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Pope Leo sought reconciliation through dialogue and exceptions to restrictions on traditional worship, but the group says his response doesn’t address their priesthood succession concerns.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Aristocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aristocracy. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
