as in monarch
one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority
the aging ruler agonized over the choice of an heir
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ruler
De Castelbajac hopes a more nuanced portrayal will provide a gateway into Napoleon’s story for those who view him not as a national hero, but as an authoritarian ruler who reinforced colonial dynamics.
—
Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
After all, there was overwhelming evidence that Iran’s rulers willfully neglected Iran’s conventional defenses for decades in favor of building paramilitary forces within and beyond its national borders.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
But, by any standard, isn’t that an interesting thing to ask a bloodthirsty terrorist ruler?
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 12 June 2025
Charles Edwards’ Lord Celebrimbor is one of the many rulers unknowingly under Sauron’s thumb, though Vickers finds earnestness in Sauron’s intentions.
—Lauren Coates, Variety, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
After all, there was overwhelming evidence that Iran’s rulers willfully neglected Iran’s conventional defenses for decades in favor of building paramilitary forces within and beyond its national borders.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
But, by any standard, isn’t that an interesting thing to ask a bloodthirsty terrorist ruler?
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 12 June 2025
Charles Edwards’ Lord Celebrimbor is one of the many rulers unknowingly under Sauron’s thumb, though Vickers finds earnestness in Sauron’s intentions.
—Lauren Coates, Variety, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruler
Noun
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But Crone’s and Erickson’s study advises monarch enthusiasts to stay calm.—
Calista Oetama,
Sacbee.com,
21 June 2025
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Along with the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Denmark constitute the Danish Realm, a political arrangement united under the Danish monarch, King Frederik.—
Morten Høi Jensen,
The Dial,
19 June 2025
Noun
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Elizabeth also met Trump and Melania on July 13, 2018, at Windsor Castle, where the president made waves by walking in front of the monarch while inspecting the Guard of Honor, widely interpreted as a breach of protocol around the sovereign.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
25 June 2025
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Rather, he was sent to the island of Elba, where he was allowed to retain the title of emperor and rule the island as a sovereign.—
Oona A. Hathaway,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
Noun
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But equally recurrent is the West’s broader obsession with her family—Agrippina along with emperors Caligula, Nero, Augustus, and others.—
Literary Hub
June 23,
Literary Hub,
23 June 2025
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Years ago, Hans Christian Andersen told a tale of an emperor who wore no clothes.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2025
Noun
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Fought from 1701 to 1714, the conflict centered on who would inherit the Spanish throne after the Habsburg king Charles II died without an heir.—
Aurora Martínez,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 June 2025
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The Oklahoma City Thunder are the new kings of the NBA.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruler. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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