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
The game industry elder statesman is still coming up with left-field ideas to this day.
—
Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 18 May 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
By the mid-2010s, Combs was fully reveling in his role as an elder statesman of rap.
—Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 12 May 2025
Kennard and third-year player Tuli Tuipulotu give the Chargers future options at the position with elder statesmen Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree approaching the twilight of their careers.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elder statesman
Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 18 May 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
By the mid-2010s, Combs was fully reveling in his role as an elder statesman of rap.
—Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 12 May 2025
Kennard and third-year player Tuli Tuipulotu give the Chargers future options at the position with elder statesmen Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree approaching the twilight of their careers.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for elder statesman
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elder statesman
Noun
-
Normally home to the cathedral's dean, the Tudor-era deanery has been unused since the last dean resigned in March 2025.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The three coaches and a dean were later reinstated.—
Kate Perez,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
During a hospital stay, Roy’s enfeebled mother fixates on the caste and religious affiliations of the doctors treating her—the sort of thing that will be familiar to anyone who has cringed at a diminished elder’s unfiltered prejudices.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Growing up with her dad — songwriter and producer Kim Bullard who played with Crosby, Stills, & Nash, and Simon & Garfunkel — as well as elders who were all musicians, Rose learned how to flesh out her poetry into songs.—
Ilana Kaplan,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Leading nominee Lady Gaga, Latin Icon Award recipient Ricky Martin and viral video breakouts Sombr and Conan Gray showcased MTV's commitment to balancing veterans and upstarts during the 2025 VMAs.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Thomas is a former NBA lottery pick and 13-year veteran and current basketball coach at a high school just up the road, Paramus Catholic, who had just shared a hearty handshake and hug with the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Elder statesman.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elder%20statesman. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share