aristocracy

noun

ˌa-rə-ˈstä-krə-sē How to pronounce aristocracy (audio)
Definition of aristocracynext
1
as in nobility
the highest class in a society at one time in China only the aristocracy could own land

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Few figures of the 20th century generated as much scrutiny—or controversy—from the press and the European aristocracy as Wallis Simpson. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 15 June 2026 The Order used to be limited to the aristocracy, but members are now selected from a variety of backgrounds in celebration of their public service, with both men and women welcomed. — Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026 The pair founded the company together in 2015; the row is a family squabble within the new AI aristocracy. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 19 May 2026 College football has always been an aristocracy, and most fans like it that way. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for aristocracy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aristocracy
  1. nobility
  2. elite
  3. gentry
  4. best
  5. society
  6. royalty
  7. elect
  8. priesthood
Noun
  • Gustaf Lagerbielke, a 26-year-old center back, comes from a line of nobility, particularly Counts, in his home country.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 26 June 2026
  • This piece of jewelry, worn by Princess Elisabeth, was a wedding gift from the Belgian nobility to Mathilde on the occasion of her wedding in 1999.
    — Marta Martínez Tato, Vanity Fair, 24 June 2026
Definition of nobility
Noun
  • Where does the Mississippi State product rank among the league’s elite?
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
  • Indeed, the capital’s elites were abuzz with Miranda’s visit and plans.
    — Lindsay Schakenbach Regele, The Conversation, 13 July 2026
Definition of elite
Noun
  • 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
  • Grammer will play Lord Fairfax, the unofficial leader of the Virginia gentry who has a complicated relationship to young George Washington as both his crucial mentor and as the father of his romantic rival.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
Definition of gentry
Noun
  • Atwell, the 26-year-old five-year veteran, has modest career bests of 67 receptions (2023), 562 yards (2024), and three touchdowns (2023).
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • Mahrez is retiring from international soccer as a five-time Premier League winner and one of Africa's bests.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 6 July 2026
Definition of best
Noun
  • Japan’s monarchy has for centuries maintained male-only succession, which is on-brand for a deeply patriarchal society where men dominate other spheres of life such as business and politics.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • Economists and researchers are still trying to better understand how AI is affecting society as more powerful tools are released publicly.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of society
Noun
  • Prince Harry stops for a picture with New York royalty, Knicks star Jalen Brunson, at the TIME100 Sports Gala in New York City on July 16.
    — People Staff, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
  • Kente used to be for royalty and for ceremonial purposes, reserved for sacred ceremonies and occasions.
    — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of royalty
Noun
  • Veleria Levy, representative-elect for northeast Charlotte’s state House District 99, testified against Duke’s original proposal this spring.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
  • According to attorney Justin Smith, who is here today to represent mayor-elect Erickson, the board will begin the morning with ballots considered by the resolution board on Election Night.
    — Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 8 July 2026
Definition of elect
Noun
  • Parsi priesthood is hereditary, meaning all the boys here have been born into priestly families.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
  • The ability to analyze, explain, forecast, and build no longer belongs exclusively to a technical priesthood.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026
Definition of priesthood

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Cite this Entry

“Aristocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aristocracy. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aristocracy

Nglish: Translation of aristocracy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aristocracy

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