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
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
Mark Malloch-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 15 Jan. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentates
Noun
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Successive Iranian rulers believed that dams, deep wells, and inter-basin transfers could outsmart geography and climate.—
Nik Kowsar,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
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Regardless, its existence was a political statement and a sign of wealth, as large rectangular stone towers were generally limited to rival Anglo-Norman lords and rulers.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Cutting back on mowing, limiting pesticides and creating windbreaks will all help monarchs survive.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
25 Sep. 2025
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According to the royal family’s website, foreign monarchs, presidents or prime ministers are invited to visit the monarch on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Credit rating agencies are sharpening their focus on climate vulnerability, raising questions about whether sectors or sovereigns with large protection gaps could face higher borrowing costs.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The belief is that it was gifted by King Umberto, one of the last kings of Italy, to that family, and stayed in the family’s possession for that whole time.—
Victoria Gomelsky,
Robb Report,
1 Oct. 2025
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Another important aspect is the South Sudanese tribes that were filmed look like kings and queens in their colors and in their beads.—
Michal Ruprecht,
NPR,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Potentates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentates. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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