Thesaurus results for MATRIARCH

matriarch

noun

ˈmā-trē-ˌärk

as in dowager

a dignified usually elderly woman of some rank or authority even though she was 87, the matriarch of the family knew everything that was going on

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 matriarch Opposite Holbrook is Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass, playing the matriarch of the Khachaturian family, with whom Lou has the climactic meeting. —

Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 Beth and Rip’s hopes for peaceful transitition, however, are threatened by Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening), the powerful matriarch of a ruthless rival ranch. —

Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Annette Bening plays Beulah Jackson, the imperious matriarch of the massive 10-Petal Ranch. —

Noel Murray, Vulture, 15 May 2026 The indomitable matriarch Cathy Ames (Florence Pugh) is typically considered the villain of this American epic. —

Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for matriarch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for matriarch

Noun

The show’s underpinned by the differences in character and country of Lady Cora and her formidable mother-in-law, the dowager Countess Violet Crawley, played by the equally formidable and much missed Dame Maggie Smith.

— Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 22 July 2025
The empress dowager’s legacy Empress Dowager Ling was largely unsuccessful in her bid for power.

— Stephanie Balkwill, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025