Synonyms of 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

• dowager
• matron
• mother
• dame
• grande dame
• mistress
• headmistress
• mom
• mama
• grandam
• materfamilias
• ma
• mammy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of matriarch

Here’s a closer look at the properties that chart the rise of television’s most famous matriarch. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 July 2026

Maunakea grew up on a Native Hawaiian homestead in the town of Nānākuli on the west coast of O‘ahu under the family matriarch, his great-grandmother Katherine Maunakea. — Angus Chen, STAT, 22 July 2026

Impressively, on an island of big brands, this hotel is still owned and operated by the O'Hara family, whose matriarch, Cynthia, and her husband Budge purchased the place in the mid-1950s. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026

As the matriarch of one of the world’s most famous families, Shannon boasted six grandchildren — Kourtney, Kim, Khloé and Rob Kardashian, as well as Kendall and Kylie Jenner — as well as 13 great-grandchildren. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 July 2026