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
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
Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dames
Noun
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The ladies minus Bronwyn arrive — Bronwyn gets there a bit later, wearing a floatie as a hat.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
3 Feb. 2026
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The goal of the pageant program is to find young ladies with a heart for service who will proudly represent the city of Poway as youth ambassadors, Soto said.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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With 89 total rooms, options range from deluxe king rooms to double queens—both featuring accessible mobility and hearing options—as well as a family-style room with multiple semi-private sleeping areas for those traveling in a group.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Feb. 2026
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Our grandmothers were queens of the freezer, along with a zillion other ways to avoid food waste.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dames. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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