statesman

noun

states·man ˈstāts-mən

: one versed in the principles or art of government

especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies

: a wise, skillful, and respected political leader

statesmanlike

ˈstāts-mən-ˌlīk

adjective

statesmanly

ˈstāts-mən-lē

adjective

statesmanship

ˈstāts-mən-ˌship

noun

Example Sentences

He was a soldier and statesman.

Recent Examples on the Web Winston Churchill was many things: statesman, soldier, writer. —

Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2023 Countless volumes have been written about Frederick Douglass, the famed abolitionist, orator and statesman. —

Donna M. Owens, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2023 The attorney and statesman was a high-profile leader in Democratic politics and served as secretary of State under President Clinton. —

Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2023 Robin Furlich also brought to life another American hero: Alexander Hamilton, military officer, statesman and Founding Father. —

Staff Reports, cleveland, 30 Jan. 2023 But the bones of Potemkin, a famed military commander and statesman, have added resonance for the Kremlin. —

Marc Santora, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2022 His fan base, the biggest in tennis, rode this roller coaster with him, from his debut years as a tetchy, ponytailed phenom to his extended autumn collecting titles as a father and statesman. —

Jason Gay, WSJ, 24 Sep. 2022 The slim tome was the philosopher and statesman’s attempt to imagine an ideal world, where people lived together in peace and harmony. —

Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2022 The massive portrait of Ataturk, visionary statesman and founding father of modern Turkey, reminds him of the vision and purpose of the company. —

Judith Magyar, Forbes, 10 Nov. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'statesman.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.