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
-
There’s a ladies’ and a gentlemen’s flanking the stairwell on this upper entry level, each outfitted with a cold plunge, sauna, steam room, and showers inside and out.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Specifically, household staff like housekeepers, ladies' maids and valets.—
Angeline Jane Bernabe,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Stewart and Mist are the queens of Unrivaled for 2026, topping Phantom 80-74 in the championship game Wednesday night to cap the league’s second season.—
Tim Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
For example, bumble bee queens, firefly larvae, and some species of lady beetles and wasps overwinter in leaf litter.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dames. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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