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
-
Although she’s considered one of today’s most recognizable leading ladies, Jenna Ortega was ready to throw in the towel after her days as a child actor.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Sometimes having a normie on the cast balances the energy of the more eccentric ladies and can even lead to some fun, Jury Duty–esque humor that emerges when a regular person watches larger-than-life drama unfold around them.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
6 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
-
An English manor with ties to not one but two queens—and a courtier best remembered for inventing the flushing toilet—lords over the countryside just outside Bath.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
15 Apr. 2026
-
When these queens emerge from their hiding spots in spring, most of them build brand new nests and don’t repurpose nests from a previous season.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dames. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
