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

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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 Ingunn Rasmussen, the warm, chatty matriarch behind Kitchen on the Edge (and hiking guide Audun's sister), took over the property in October 2001 and now runs it with her son, Håvar Holmen. — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026 Take Louis-Dreyfus and her portrayal of Polly Wyeth, the matriarch of a blue-blooded Reaganite family celebrating Christmas Eve 2004 in Palm Springs, California. — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 Kate, 51 During and directly following the show, matriarch Kate published four books, landed a celebrity spot on Dancing With the Stars, and appeared on the cover of countless magazines. — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 The matriarch urges the headstrong girl to be more ambitious and ingratiating – in order to attract a good husband. — Heller McAlpin, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 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

Noun

The provisions ensure that if a bus driver or matron is laid off because their company loses a contract, that employee is prioritized during the hiring process for a new company with the same wage and benefits.

— Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026
Investigators also found that the bus matron, who had nearly 20 years of experience, made no effort to communicate with the driver or contact the school.

— Doug Williams, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of matron

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 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of matriarch

noun

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