concubines

plural of concubine
as in mistresses
a female other than his wife with whom a married man has a continuing sexual relationship the offspring of one of the monarch's concubines

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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 concubines But experts say the male-only succession system is structurally flawed and only worked previously thanks to the help of concubines who, until about 100 years ago, produced imperial children. — Mari Yamaguchi, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025 Some of them were married (or given as concubines) to Inca nobles, others became priestesses, and some ended up as human sacrifices. — ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025 Royal gardens, peeling frescoes, and tiled mosaics are breathtaking in their beauty, but the zenith of any visit is a wander through the sultan’s harem, once home to hundreds of concubines and their eunuch guards. — Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Dec. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concubines
Noun
  • The Getty Suite speaks for itself with its throne-like chairs, opulent tapestries, carved rose wooden ceiling and connecting door into the Medici Suite (CH) where Getty put up some of his mistresses.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026
  • On the other hand, Dunaway and her tart-talking sidekick, Brenda Vaccaro, seem to be having the time of their lives as mistresses of the shades of darkness (their ramshackle abode is a funhouse Ghost Train ride festooned with skeletons, spiders and tattered netting).
    — Arthur Knight, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The lawn’s early closure that year, which usually is done over the winter, coincided with peak fall foliage-viewing season, putting a prime spot for autumn leaf lovers off limits.
    — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This year, there’s something for nearly every interest, from cheese lovers and bookworms to crafty adults and puzzle enthusiasts.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Concubines.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concubines. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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