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
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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
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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
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This disdain for empathy often leads to the conclusion that women’s political participation is a problem, because the little ladies will insist on voting for the wrong candidates and policies.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
-
Those who stayed in attendance — including James Franco and Jordan Firstman — championed Schoenbrun and their leading ladies.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Noun
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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
-
Rattanawadee has cemented her role as one of the rising scream queens of Thailand after appearing in all three films in the blockbuster Death Whisperer trilogy, along with Thai horror film Panor and upcoming Djinn’s Curse 2.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
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The queens of the ballroom extravaganza have moved both costume designer Qween Jean’s fabulous couture and the cats’ quest for immortality up to the main stem with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s righteous blessing.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dames. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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