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
The ultra-wealthy city-state of Monaco on the French Riviera is no stranger to luxury hotels—fellow grand dames Hôtel de Paris and Hermitage sit at the heart of the action around Casino Square—each vying to outdo the other with fancy arrivals and impeccably discreet service.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
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
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dames
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
-
Barneys in Naples will also carry fragrance, cosmetics, jewelry, children’s, ladies’ handbags and shoes.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
-
The musical originally premiered in 1975 with legendary leading ladies Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera playing Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, respectively.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
His dream was nothing less than a new reality, a hopeful future free of despotism, ruled by equality and liberty, rather than kings and queens.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
Despite eating royal jelly, the queens raised in worker wax were smaller and didn’t survive as well.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dames. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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