legate

noun

ˈle-gət How to pronounce legate (audio)
Definition of legatenext
as in ambassador
a person sent on a mission to represent another the legate was charged with a list of objectives to accomplish on behalf of his country

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 legate However, papal legates—diplomatic representatives—continue their external functions. — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 In the 1520s Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal legate of England, drove forward a similar program of moral and financial reform, winding up a further 29 monasteries. — Crawford Gribben, WSJ, 29 Apr. 2022 The Franciscan Plano Carpini, who traveled the empire as papal legate in 1246, described a draconian tax collector demanding one in three boys from every Russian family, as well as unmarried women. — Colin Thubron, The New York Review of Books, 6 July 2021 The wife of the ailing emperor sends an Imperial legate — her nephew — to investigate. — N. K. Jemisin, New York Times, 14 July 2017 That Francis forced Festing’s resignation without deigning to pick up Burke’s gauntlet was further vindication of the Pope, who will soon appoint his own legate to run the Order. — James Carroll, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legate
  1. ambassador
  2. delegate
  3. envoy
  4. representative
  5. minister
Noun
  • Under Milei and Lula, Argentina and Brazil have had a rocky relationship, which took a decisive turn for the worse in July when Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina after Milei insulted Brazilian officials while in the country.
    — Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Earlier this month, Gymshark — which is currently making a push into pilates — announced Megan Thee Stallion as its first brand ambassador.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of ambassador
Noun
  • Each participant will get a tailored calendar of pre-booked meetings with teams from the JAFF Future Project selection, rights holders from JAFF IP Connection, exhibitors and other delegates.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Late last month, roughly 100 dockworker delegates from four countries rallied outside DP World’s Centerm terminal at the Port of Vancouver, following an international anti-automation summit that included Montreal’s own CUPE Local 375.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of delegate
Noun
  • The outlet also reported Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff are pushing for a diplomatic course rather than resuming strikes.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Meanwhile, China will send a special envoy to Iran, Oman and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters Monday.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of envoy
Noun
  • The Times reached out to the actor’s representatives for details including the birth date and gender of the child but did not hear back.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Haaland’s jewelry—firefly earrings and a beaded necklace—nodded at the style of accessories that is representative of Native style and fashion.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of representative
Noun
  • Previously, 13 people had been charged, including a government minister, but no trial was held as the probe stalled.
    — MARKO DROBNJAKOVIC, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Tedros, an ethnic Tigrayan, served as Ethiopia’s foreign minister and health minister when the Tigray People’s Liberation Front dominated the country’s ruling coalition.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of minister

Browse Nearby Words

legal tender
legate
legatee
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Cite this Entry

“Legate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legate. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on legate

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about legate

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