as in ruler
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of potentate
This must remain a country that rejects princes or potentates.
—
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2024
Maybe bringing in the charity will boost the power of a local potentate.
—Leif Wenar, WIRED, 27 Mar. 2024
In early-modern Europe, the Medicis and other potentates created what were the microfinance schemes of their time, lending small sums of money to poor citizens.
—Mark Malloch-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 15 Jan. 2024
This must remain a country that rejects princes or potentates.
—Washington Examiner, 21 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for potentate
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2024
Maybe bringing in the charity will boost the power of a local potentate.
—Leif Wenar, WIRED, 27 Mar. 2024
In early-modern Europe, the Medicis and other potentates created what were the microfinance schemes of their time, lending small sums of money to poor citizens.
—Mark Malloch-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 15 Jan. 2024
This must remain a country that rejects princes or potentates.
—Washington Examiner, 21 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for potentate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentate
Noun
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His interest in sports analytics comes from his math teacher father, who handed out rulers to Trick-or-Treaters each year.—
Jesse Newell,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 2025
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The brand new full-length arrives as a success across a number of rankings, launching atop several Billboard tallies – and this latest champion is different from his previous rulers.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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According to People magazine, the visit is part of the monarch’s efforts to strengthen the U.K.’s relationship with key European allies.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Such an ungainly orthography must be the fancy of some mad monarch in Britain’s history, right?—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Since the 15th century, the number of recipients has been related to the years of the sovereign’s life.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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The sovereign has no governmental power in the U.K. or influence on RAVEC.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Potentate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentate. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
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