Thesaurus results for MATRIARCH

matriarch

noun

ˈmā-trē-ˌärk

Definition of matriarch

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 Lowry lost his wife and Columbine football matriarch Janet in November 2024, the end of a lengthy seven-year cancer battle. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026 News of Jackie’s death sent ripples of mourning through her fan base, with thousands taking to social media to express their condolences and praise the avian matriarch. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Family members are expected to return home without their matriarch and begin rebuilding their lives following the tragedy. — Bytoni Yates, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 Outside of the Camp Rock franchise, she is best known for portraying Theresa Russo, the family matriarch in Wizards of Waverly Place and later on Wizards Beyond Waverly Place. — Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 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

Definition of dowager

Browse Nearby Words

matins

matriarch

matriarchal

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“Matriarch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matriarch. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of matriarch

noun

Example Sentences

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