potentates

Definition of potentatesnext
plural of potentate
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentates
Noun
  • Many of the opportunities available were in projects that supported the state’s narrative — from historical dramas valorizing medieval Hindu rulers, to biopics in praise of its leaders.
    Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Erasing historic figures from the public sphere is an exercise in power going back to the pharaohs, a way rulers ensured future generations couldn’t learn about their enemies.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The exhibition showcases more than 60 objects made of silver, gold, enamel and precious jewels from several European monarchs and rulers to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
    Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Tuberculosis, the bacteria often associated with the deaths of Victorian-era monarchs, was recently contracted by more than 200 high school students in San Francisco.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Everyone will have traditional costumes, and there will be kings and queens.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026
  • These drama kings and queens of the novel are a chameleonic joint family of disjoint motives.
    Sibani Ram, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Potentates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentates. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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