as in rulers
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of potentates
Biden put this sentiment into action by working with Netanyahu despite serious moral and political failures in Gaza, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on NATO expansion, and with Gulf potentates on the region’s security architecture.
—
James Jeffrey, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2025
James Jeffrey, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentates
Noun
-
What happened to Mughal painting under Aurangzeb and the later Mughal rulers?—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
In a region where rulers can quickly pivot from enemy to friend, there is little upside to speaking openly.—
Mohammed Sergie,
semafor.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The exhibition showcases more than 60 objects made of silver, gold, enamel and precious jewels from several European monarchs and rulers to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.—
Alyson Rodriguez,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Tuberculosis, the bacteria often associated with the deaths of Victorian-era monarchs, was recently contracted by more than 200 high school students in San Francisco.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Below, according to a San Francisco Chronicle video, in bold white letters on the sand, demonstrators displayed another message saying no to ICE, wars, lies and kings.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Josh Kelly The No Kings protests draw their name from the fact that the United States doesn't have kings — a reference to Trump's language about himself and his administration's efforts to expand presidential powers.—
Alex Gladden,
Oklahoman,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Potentates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentates. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
