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 forts, palaces, gardens, mosques, mausoleums, and even cities that Mughal rulers commissioned reflect their ambition and affluence as much as their tastes and sensibilities.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
15 Apr. 2026
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An ancient Turkish name, Aslan was also used as a title for medieval Turkic rulers.—
Lydia Wang,
Parents,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Hungary’s first king, Stephen I, built a basilica in Székesfehérvár that served as the coronation site for later monarchs.—
Isaac Stanley-Becker,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
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Later this month, British monarchs will step onto American shores for the first time in two decades.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Once favored by scientists and royalty, Haghartsin now holds the graves of kings.—
Marlise Kast-Myers,
Boston Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
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Since the Habsburg days, this is where Slovenes take their guests – whether kings or cousins – to show off their country’s natural beauty.—
Tribune Content Agency,
Baltimore Sun,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Potentates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentates. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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