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
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
Maybe bringing in the charity will boost the power of a local potentate.
—Leif Wenar, WIRED, 27 Mar. 2024
In early-modern Europe, the Medicis and other potentates created what were the microfinance schemes of their time, lending small sums of money to poor citizens.
—Mark Malloch-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 15 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for potentate
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
Maybe bringing in the charity will boost the power of a local potentate.
—Leif Wenar, WIRED, 27 Mar. 2024
In early-modern Europe, the Medicis and other potentates created what were the microfinance schemes of their time, lending small sums of money to poor citizens.
—Mark Malloch-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 15 Jan. 2024
See All Example Sentences for potentate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentate
Noun
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Flashpoint Kashmir has been a flashpoint since 1947, when British India was hastily divided into two by its former colonial rulers.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
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The arid peninsula off Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf, similar in size to Connecticut, boasts deep reserves of oil and gas that have made the country the fourth-wealthiest in the world by per capita GDP and enriched its rulers, the House of Thani.—
Jeremy Bogaisky,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Noun
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Corruption might be business as usual under monarchs, where the very purpose of a state is to serve its king.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
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Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams claimed to Fox News Digital that Prince Harry’s pleas to reconcile with his family, while also airing dirty laundry, could undermine Charles’ leadership as a monarch who is battling cancer.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2025
Noun
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The law dictates that the Counsellor of State position is held by the sovereign's spouse and the first four people in the line of succession over the age of 21, which is how Beatrice holds the royal role.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
14 May 2025
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Wojtyła took the regnal name after his predecessor, Pope John Paul I, who passed away only a month into his reign as the sovereign of Vatican City.—
Gabriele Regalbuto,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Potentate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentate. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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