1
as in dowagers
a dignified usually elderly woman of some rank or authority
as the grand dames of local society, they determined which charities received support
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ladies
a woman of high birth or social position
the lords and dames of the shire eagerly awaited the royal visit
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 dames
Perhaps unknowingly, the star was partaking in a fashion tradition set by the dames of Cortina long ago.
—
ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
Along with Elba, this year’s Honors include British comedian, writer, and actor Meera Syal and England women’s football coach Sarina Wiegman, who have been made honorary dames, and British writer Roy Clarke, who was also knighted.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2025
Honolulu hotels vary from beachfront grand dames like Halekulani to boutique stays like Kaimana Beach Hotel.
—Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2025
ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
Along with Elba, this year’s Honors include British comedian, writer, and actor Meera Syal and England women’s football coach Sarina Wiegman, who have been made honorary dames, and British writer Roy Clarke, who was also knighted.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2025
Honolulu hotels vary from beachfront grand dames like Halekulani to boutique stays like Kaimana Beach Hotel.
—Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dames
Noun
-
The former ladies’ salon and winter garden have been gently refreshed, while a sage-green meeting room (restored to its original color and framed by a coffered ceiling) completes the suite of historic spaces.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Good luck this weekend, ladies!—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There was also a shift toward elaborate descriptions of what society matrons wore to events, and again, women were believed to be more able to provide these verbal illustrations.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Two Drag Race queens, Bob and Jinkx, have made it to Broadway.—
McKinley Franklin,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday, the installation will invite visitors to interact with the pieces of the game, which have been reimagined with the brand’s iconography, including queens with crowns inspired by Clive Christian’s signature perfume bottles.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dames. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
