Synonyms of potentate

potentate

noun

ˈpō-tᵊn-ˌtāt 

as in ruler

one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority

Charles inherited the position of potentate of the Holy Roman Empire from his grandfather, as well that of king of Spain from his father

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ruler
• monarch
• sovereign
• emperor
• king
• autocrat
• queen
• prince
• overlord
• empress
• Caesar
• sultan
• dictator
• tyrant
• emir
• despot
• satrap
• suzerain
• czar
• mogul
• lord
• shah
• kaiser
• authoritarian
• khedive
• mikado
• khan
• coruler
• führer
• Big Brother
• paramount
• monocrat

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of potentate

The game is a playground for Russian oligarchs, Middle Eastern potentates, and Latin American strongmen—his people. — Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2026

Biden put this sentiment into action by working with Netanyahu despite serious moral and political failures in Gaza, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on NATO expansion, and with Gulf potentates on the region’s security architecture. — James Jeffrey, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2025

Why don’t all the rich potentates, sheiks, oligarchs and MAGA dictators meet and fix it? — Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025

But in his mid-80s, King George ponders whether to abdicate and devote his remaining days to finding female companionship (the aging potentate remains potent with the help of Viagra and similar pharmaceuticals). — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 May 2025

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