as in monarchs
one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority
the aging ruler agonized over the choice of an heir
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 rulers
The Hanukkah celebration dates back to the second century BC when Greek rulers tried to force Jews to abandon their religion and adapt to Greek cultural practices instead.
—
Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Dec. 2024
In Hammurabi's ancient Babylon, rulers were already worried about capping interest rates to protect borrowers from exploitation.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers.
—Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
Iran’s rulers once claimed to offer an exportable Islamist model that could rival both capitalism and communism.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
Nearby, a display of gold coins explores how currency was used to spread propaganda images of powerful rulers.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024
Decisions made around cabinet posts, rulers of countries, board members, and the tops of pyramids will have implications for practically every person on the planet.
—Chip Bell, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Will Syria’s new rulers allow freedom of worship for religious minorities and freedom of dress for women?
—Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024
In March of this year, V doubled his number of rulers on the downloads tally.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Dec. 2024
In Hammurabi's ancient Babylon, rulers were already worried about capping interest rates to protect borrowers from exploitation.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers.
—Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024
Iran’s rulers once claimed to offer an exportable Islamist model that could rival both capitalism and communism.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
Nearby, a display of gold coins explores how currency was used to spread propaganda images of powerful rulers.
—Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024
Decisions made around cabinet posts, rulers of countries, board members, and the tops of pyramids will have implications for practically every person on the planet.
—Chip Bell, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Will Syria’s new rulers allow freedom of worship for religious minorities and freedom of dress for women?
—Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 12 Dec. 2024
In March of this year, V doubled his number of rulers on the downloads tally.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near rulers
Cite this Entry
“Rulers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rulers. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share