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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Recent Examples of ruler
Built by Rajput rulers of the Chauhan clan, the fort later came under the control of the Delhi sultanate and the Mughals before returning to the Rajput rulers of Jaipur.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 June 2026
Only a few elite graves have ever been uncovered, along with evidence of rulers or wealthy families, so the Cucuteni-Trypillia seemed to have boasted a large population, without a centralized government.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
Your 11th House of Friendship lights up as the Moon, ruler of feelings, moves through and opposes surprising Uranus in your 5th House of Creativity.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 30 May 2026
The coins were minted between the 980s and the 1040s and bear the names of rulers including Æthelred II, Otto III, Harald Hardrada and the legendary King Cnut.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 June 2026
Only a few elite graves have ever been uncovered, along with evidence of rulers or wealthy families, so the Cucuteni-Trypillia seemed to have boasted a large population, without a centralized government.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026
Your 11th House of Friendship lights up as the Moon, ruler of feelings, moves through and opposes surprising Uranus in your 5th House of Creativity.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 30 May 2026
The coins were minted between the 980s and the 1040s and bear the names of rulers including Æthelred II, Otto III, Harald Hardrada and the legendary King Cnut.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruler
Noun
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Before Prince Philip captured Queen Elizabeth II's heart, another aristocratic suitor may have been in the running for the future monarch.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
-
In April, as both sides of the Atlantic watched on, the king and queen carried out their first state visit to the United States as monarchs.—
Jennifer Hassan,
USA Today,
1 June 2026
Noun
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Its exact purpose remains debated — possibly a palatial retreat for the emperor Pachacuti, possibly an administrative and trading center supported by eight access routes.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2026
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The emperor’s burial complex, stretching across 22 square miles, remains unexcavated.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Noun
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But a series of 15th century directives from the Vatican authorized Portuguese sovereigns to conquer Africa and the Americas and enslave non-Christians.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
25 May 2026
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The sovereign first wore her favorite crown on November 4, 1952, for the opening ceremony of parliament that year.—
Giorgia Olivieri,
Vanity Fair,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Arsenal are the kings of marginal games, beating their opponents with physicality, pressing and defensive possession.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
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Expect deluxe rooms with king-sized beds and top-of-the-line linens paired with old-school parlors and tea rooms.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruler. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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