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
Once the preserve of European aristocracy, the Romanée-Conti is now sought out by multi-millionaires at auction.
—
Pin Yen Tan 9 Min Ago, CNN Money, 6 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
Rahman is positioning himself as a bridge between a political aristocracy that dates back to Bangladesh’s liberation struggle and the aspirations of its young revolutionaries.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
This time, Industry unfolds as a sharp, uncomfortable on-the-nose commentary of modern politics, media, technocrats and the seemingly-immovable aristocracy of British society.
—Chloe Laws, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aristocracy
Pin Yen Tan 9 Min Ago, CNN Money, 6 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
Rahman is positioning himself as a bridge between a political aristocracy that dates back to Bangladesh’s liberation struggle and the aspirations of its young revolutionaries.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
This time, Industry unfolds as a sharp, uncomfortable on-the-nose commentary of modern politics, media, technocrats and the seemingly-immovable aristocracy of British society.
—Chloe Laws, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aristocracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aristocracy
Noun
-
In the context of the song, though, the ability to withstand suffering takes on a kind of nobility—not as a good in itself but as a sign of perseverance.—
Sadie Sartini Garner,
Pitchfork,
2 Mar. 2026
-
The most recent season featured Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) falling for maid and illegitimate child of nobility Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) over the course of eight very Cinderella-esque episodes.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This may sound unlikely, but after Iran’s 12-day war with Israel last June, members of the Iranian elite openly wondered whether investing in nuclear infrastructure and regional proxies continued to make sense.—
Dennis Ross,
The Atlantic,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Every year, another reminder that Tampa Bay had one player who belonged among the NFL’s elite.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 Mar. 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
-
Nahshon Wright, Chicago Wright, 27, is a five-year veteran who made the Pro Bowl last season after having career bests in starts (16), interceptions (five, one returned for a touchdown), passes defended (11) and tackles (80).—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Foegele, 29, had the best season of his career in his first year as a King, with personal bests in goals, assists, points and plus-minus rating.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In a free society, there should be many kinds of schools that reflect different philosophies of education.—
Nicholas Tampio,
Hartford Courant,
10 Mar. 2026
-
With more than 70 entries, paradegoers will cheer on schools, businesses, officials, veterans, first responders, Irish heritage societies and other groups.—
Kari Barnett,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
With the release, 50% of artist royalties will be donated to Dublin Simon Community to provide lifesaving housing and healthcare for those experiencing homelessness.—
Lars Brandle,
Billboard,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Last year, more than a third of artists making $10,000 on the platform in royalties started by self-releasing their music through independent distributors.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Husted was Ohio's lieutenant governor-elect in early 2019, when prosecutors claim Jones and Dowling bribed the late Randazzo in exchange for legislative and regulatory favors.—
JULIE CARR SMYTH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Time will tell whether the duo elects to also return to Miami.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 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 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
