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
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Example Sentences
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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
-
With your celestial ruler, Mars, entering Libra on Aug. 6, everything from your committed relationships to potential prospects takes center stage.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Was their cause a betrayal, or a principled stand against a ruler whose ambitions threatened to consume their way of life?—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The monarch appeared to tell a quick joke in reaction, which made those around him smile.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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The monarch had been paying for Andrew’s security after the prince lost his police protection in 2022.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Think bonds of 10 and 30 years in duration, purchased by pension funds and sovereigns.—
Brett Owens,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The sovereign then delivered remarks, met crew and guests, toured an elite P-8A Poseidon aircraft and mingled with local children from the Airplay Youth support program and their families, who live on or near the base.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Potentate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentate. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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