as in republics
a group of people who live in a territory ruled by a single person
The country was formerly a monarchy, but has now transitioned to a republic.
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Recent Examples of monarchies
The monarchies of Spain and Monaco are governed by different systems, and their royal families go by different stylings.
—
Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
When the war began, a cornered Iran lashed out by attacking its neighbors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a 45-year-old coalition of energy-rich Arab monarchies including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 19 May 2026
The diversification efforts in the Gulf Arab monarchies are far from perfect, and these states are not liberal democracies.
—Daniel Benaim, Time, 18 May 2026
Prince Philip joined Meet The Press back in 1969 at a time when monarchies across Europe were in decline following World War II.
—NBC news, 3 May 2026
Gerontocracy has always thrived in undemocratic places—Communist people’s republics, Gulf monarchies—where only death could pry power from the ruling elders.
—Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 2026
The primary strategic target of the declaration was the Bourbon monarchies of France and Spain, Britain’s chief rivals.
—Christopher Magra, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2026
There are still a significant number of countries and smaller political units that retain monarchies, however.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
The deportations have been the subject of two legal challenges in Eswatini, which is ruled by a king and is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world.
—Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
When the war began, a cornered Iran lashed out by attacking its neighbors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a 45-year-old coalition of energy-rich Arab monarchies including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 19 May 2026
The diversification efforts in the Gulf Arab monarchies are far from perfect, and these states are not liberal democracies.
—Daniel Benaim, Time, 18 May 2026
Prince Philip joined Meet The Press back in 1969 at a time when monarchies across Europe were in decline following World War II.
—NBC news, 3 May 2026
Gerontocracy has always thrived in undemocratic places—Communist people’s republics, Gulf monarchies—where only death could pry power from the ruling elders.
—Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 2026
The primary strategic target of the declaration was the Bourbon monarchies of France and Spain, Britain’s chief rivals.
—Christopher Magra, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2026
There are still a significant number of countries and smaller political units that retain monarchies, however.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
The deportations have been the subject of two legal challenges in Eswatini, which is ruled by a king and is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world.
—Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for monarchies
Noun
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But a series of 15th century directives from the Vatican authorized Portuguese sovereigns to conquer Africa and the Americas and enslave non-Christians.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
25 May 2026
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Encouraged and frightened by the events at Naples, other sovereigns granted constitutions.—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Earlier this year, Quinn pounced on the opportunity to cast Heated Rivalry’s Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams as star-crossed fae princes from feuding kingdoms who (spoiler) have been knocking boots in secret.—
Charles Pulliam-Moore,
The Verge,
1 June 2026
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While other rulers of the era relied on religious omens or superstition to guide their kingdoms, Aristotle taught the young prince that the universe could be understood through human reason and keen observation.—
Steve Muscato,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
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For those willing to coordinate logistics in advance, the payoff is a front-row view of sporting traditions that predate most modern nations.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
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As part of our Language of Soccer World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to supporters of all 48 nations competing at the 2026 edition to capture their unique football culture, distilled into a single phrase.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Noun
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As courts weigh transgender military bans and states restrict gender-affirming care, some corporations retreat from sponsorship while local businesses step up to keep hometown Pride celebrations funded and visible.—
Geoff Mulvihill,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
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People leaving Los Angeles and California are raising the cost of living in some red states after years of relocating from the left-leaning state.—
Lindsay Kornick,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Monarchies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monarchies. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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