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
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Recent Examples of matriarch
The riveting drama follows the Jasper family — including matriarch Claudine (LaTanya Richardson Jackson), husband Solomon (Lennix), brothers Solomon Jr.
—
Sharareh Drury, People.com, 9 June 2025
The Royal Caribbean just announced that none other than Diana Ross—icon, mother, and music matriarch—will serve as the godmother of their newest cruise ship, Star of the Seas, set to debut in August 2025.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 6 June 2025
Lipman and Cowen confirmed that no one else was even considered for the role of mouthy matriarch Debbie Novotny.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
Dow died in 2022, and Cleaver family matriarch Barbara Billingsley died in 2010.
—Grace Harrington, People.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for matriarch
Sharareh Drury, People.com, 9 June 2025
The Royal Caribbean just announced that none other than Diana Ross—icon, mother, and music matriarch—will serve as the godmother of their newest cruise ship, Star of the Seas, set to debut in August 2025.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 6 June 2025
Lipman and Cowen confirmed that no one else was even considered for the role of mouthy matriarch Debbie Novotny.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025
Dow died in 2022, and Cleaver family matriarch Barbara Billingsley died in 2010.
—Grace Harrington, People.com, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for matriarch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matriarch
Noun
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The empress dowager’s legacy Empress Dowager Ling was largely unsuccessful in her bid for power.—
Stephanie Balkwill,
The Conversation,
17 Mar. 2025
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Playing an acid-tongue dowager or master teacher of witchcraft came naturally to her, but what thrilled her about acting was its transformative freedom.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Sep. 2024
Noun
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Mary Thema, a clinical matron at Kadoma General Hospital, says Kelly’s case underlines this challenge.—
Cynthia Tully,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
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The aristocratic matron in question, Lady Hemphill, would often accompany her husband to the Huston estate, located in the rugged pastures and boglands of County Galway, for dinner parties and hunting expeditions.—
Erik Morse,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Matriarch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matriarch. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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