1
as in cliques
a small group of people who exercise control over a country, business, etc.
Critics complain that the government is now dominated by an oligarchy of wealthy businesspeople.
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2
as in empires
government that is controlled by a small group of people
The nation was an oligarchy with election results manipulated to maintain a permanent ruling class.
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for oligarchies
Noun
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The vast majority of deputies take pride in serving with honor and professionalism, but when individuals engage in misconduct or participate in deputy gangs or cliques that damage the reputation of the department, those actions cannot be tolerated.—
Sierra van der Brug,
Daily News,
4 May 2026 -
In this milieu, Hollywood A-listers like Will Ferrell and Sharon Stone, who occupy separate cliques nearby, pale in comparison to the mingling artistic luminaries.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Originating in the Indian subcontinent, modern day Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, the diamond’s story has gone beyond borders, eras and empires, continuing to captivate the world, according to Britain’s Historic Royal Palaces.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
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My assignment in Croatia was to write about the Adriatic Coast—about saltwater and islands, olive oil and langoustines, lavender and wildflowers, local tales and ancient legends, the lapse of empires, and the pursuit of health.—
Kevin West,
Travel + Leisure,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Following coups in all three nations in recent years, the ruling juntas have expelled French forces and turned to Russia’s mercenary units for security assistance instead.—
Molly Quell,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
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Following military coups, the juntas in the three countries have turned from Western allies to Russia for help in combating Islamic militants.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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,
NBC news,
3 May 2026
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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
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Cite this Entry
“Oligarchies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/oligarchies. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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