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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Iran has installed rulers even more conservative and hardline than their predecessors.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
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In the show Prince Adam is the son of Eternia’s rulers, King Randor and Queen Marlena.—
Sanat Pai RaikarAll,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
4 May 2026
Noun
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British monarchs are subject to rules and norms meant to prevent them from taking overtly political stands.—
Emma Caughlan,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
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The monarchs will meet with families of victims and first responders involved in the attacks.—
Veronica Bravo,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Edward, known for his strong piety, is also distinguished as one of the few English kings to be canonized.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
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People too often imagine the Church as having played second fiddle in colonial history, jumping on opportunities opened up by the actions of kings, navigators, and merchants.—
Tim Brinkhof,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Potentates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentates. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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