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
However, envoys soon arrived from the ruler of Vijayanagar and suggested that Goa should be handed over to him.
—
Sanat Pai Raikarall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Apr. 2026
Targeting property Iran’s judiciary has begun seizing the property of public figures critical of the country’s rulers, under an anti-espionage law approved during last year’s 12-day war with Israel that punishes media and cultural activities deemed to support Iran’s enemies.
—Amir-Hussein Radjy, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
For decades, Iran’s rulers have quashed organized political opposition.
—Amir Hussein Radjy, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Iran’s judiciary has begun seizing the property of public figures critical of the country's rulers, under an anti-espionage law approved during last year’s 12-day war with Israel that punishes media and cultural activities deemed to support Iran's enemies.
—ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Sanat Pai Raikarall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Apr. 2026
Targeting property Iran’s judiciary has begun seizing the property of public figures critical of the country’s rulers, under an anti-espionage law approved during last year’s 12-day war with Israel that punishes media and cultural activities deemed to support Iran’s enemies.
—Amir-Hussein Radjy, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
For decades, Iran’s rulers have quashed organized political opposition.
—Amir Hussein Radjy, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Iran’s judiciary has begun seizing the property of public figures critical of the country's rulers, under an anti-espionage law approved during last year’s 12-day war with Israel that punishes media and cultural activities deemed to support Iran's enemies.
—ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruler
Noun
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The special coins recognize those over the age of 70 for outstanding service to their communities, and the number of recipients matches the age of the monarch.—
Stephanie Petit,
PEOPLE,
5 Apr. 2026
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Karwai Tang / WireImage via Getty Images The monarch's younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested in February by police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, was absent after attending last year's Easter gathering accompanied by ex-wife Sarah Ferguson.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
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To some umps’ great dismay—and fans’ utter delight—calls are indeed getting overturned, with all the suspense of a Roman emperor deciding on a gladiator’s fate.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
8 Apr. 2026
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Xi made his point in 2017 by showing the Trumps around the Forbidden City, whose tranquil grandeur recalls an age when the emperors, like him, controlled the army and the state.—
Michael Sheridan,
Vanity Fair,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The top aide is credited with injecting the sovereign's style with a fresh sense of color and fun, raising her hemlines and updating her wardrobe to the rainbow of colors that became synonymous with her signature style in her later years.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
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The sovereign's sisters, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie, stood side by side.—
Séraphine Roger,
Vanity Fair,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In the afternoon, the king and queen will visit Kensington Creative & Performing Arts High School in Fishtown, where they'll be joined by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.—
Alexandra Simon,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
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Once favored by scientists and royalty, Haghartsin now holds the graves of kings.—
Marlise Kast-Myers,
Boston Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruler. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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