as in dean
the senior member of a group
the elder statesman of the White House correspondents is finally retiring after nearly a half century of service
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 elder statesman
Best Primetime Kits Novak Djokovic: Lacoste Novak Djokovic looked the part of tennis’ elder statesman in his black Lacoste kit paired with his signature Court FF 3 Novak Night Energy shoes from Asics.
—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The Lakers will reportedly host two of the league’s elder statesmen in a pair of their 2025-26 marquee matchups.
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 8 Aug. 2025
His passing also removes a key elder statesman from Nigeria's political landscape at a time when the country continues grappling with security challenges, economic instability, and corruption issues that defined much of his tenure.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Much of the heart and comedy in the film comes from the dynamic between Williamson and McDonough, as the two elder statesmen reunite for the bull riding event against significantly younger competition.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for elder statesman
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The Lakers will reportedly host two of the league’s elder statesmen in a pair of their 2025-26 marquee matchups.
—Khobi Price, Oc Register, 8 Aug. 2025
His passing also removes a key elder statesman from Nigeria's political landscape at a time when the country continues grappling with security challenges, economic instability, and corruption issues that defined much of his tenure.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Much of the heart and comedy in the film comes from the dynamic between Williamson and McDonough, as the two elder statesmen reunite for the bull riding event against significantly younger competition.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for elder statesman
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elder statesman
Noun
-
Rennison is a professor emerita and former associate dean of faculty affairs at the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Alma, now a university dean, is sitting in a diner, where Maggie joins her for a short conversation.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
An elder-care assistant needs a verifiable history of respectful, competent service.—
Jan Liphardt,
Fortune,
14 Oct. 2025
-
In fact, that process may be the most important legacy elder generations leave behind.—
Christina Binkley,
Robb Report,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Two reps later, Nix saw blitz and — with a veteran’s cool — checked into a quick-hit to Evan Engram, who sped for 20 yards.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The 40-year-old NBA veteran is reportedly expected to make his return sometime in November.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elder statesman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elder%20statesman. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share