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
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Recent Examples of potentate
Or were all those billionaire potentates in the Capitol Rotunda — seated in front of Trump’s Cabinet picks — asserting their social, economic and cultural hegemony?
—
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
A number of sports potentates will be making the Idaho scene, at a moment when tens of billions of dollars are changing hands in pursuit of ever-valuable rights.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 July 2024
This was a violin in full command of its considerable powers, a violin capable of enchanting the most powerful potentate in the land and persuading him to do its bidding.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2024
This must remain a country that rejects princes or potentates.
—Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for potentate
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
A number of sports potentates will be making the Idaho scene, at a moment when tens of billions of dollars are changing hands in pursuit of ever-valuable rights.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 July 2024
This was a violin in full command of its considerable powers, a violin capable of enchanting the most powerful potentate in the land and persuading him to do its bidding.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2024
This must remain a country that rejects princes or potentates.
—Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for potentate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentate
Noun
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The ultimate ruler on the appeal of the board’s decision is the board.—
Mercury News Editorial,
Mercury News,
27 June 2025
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Art and creativity flourished under her rule, with the Deir el-Bahri complex built during her time as ruler.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Noun
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However, the long-reigning monarch never wore the Greville tiara in public, likely due to its significant connection to her late mother.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
4 July 2025
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The revolutionary focus was, and remains today, on the rights of the individual — not the state, not the monarch, not a corporate entity, not a particular economic or social class, and certainly not the military.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
2 July 2025
Noun
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For starters, power in the United States is vested in the people, not in the government, and certainly not in a sovereign.—
Richard Lorenc,
Twin Cities,
3 July 2025
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The Ceremony of the Keys is a staple on the sovereign's schedule during Royal Week, as is an investiture ceremony at the Palace of the Holyroodhouse and a palace garden party.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Potentate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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