as in rulers
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 potentates
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
James Jeffrey, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentates
Noun
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The demonstrations, sparked by economic distress and anger at Iran’s clerical rulers, were met with a sweeping crackdown that activists say has killed thousands.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
28 Jan. 2026
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Instead, the terms of the social contract between rulers and ruled needs to be made explicit.—
Obi Anyadike,
semafor.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This year’s wintertime monarchs were announced Friday night at a coronation at the RiverCentre.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
24 Jan. 2026
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The grandeur of the public rooms echoes in suites fit for monarchs—or movie stars.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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With war looming and chaos consuming the kingdom —drawing in the ruthless kings of other Scandinavian countries and even a powerful English ruler — the stage is set for a thundering, cataclysmic, compelling, and utterly magical new Norse saga.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
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Justice Sonia Sotomayor recently questioned whether Americans know the difference between presidents and kings.—
Jamie Holmes,
Twin Cities,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Potentates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentates. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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