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
What happened to Mughal painting under Aurangzeb and the later Mughal rulers?
—
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
Anthony has 11 more rulers than the next closest act on the all-time list, Victor Manuelle, who boasts 28.
—Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026
During her lifetime, the Abbasid dynasty rose to power in Baghdad and quickly sought to curtail the imamate’s popularity because many Muslims viewed Ali’s family as the only legitimate rulers.
—Mary Thurlkill, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Many of the opportunities available were in projects that supported the state’s narrative — from historical dramas valorizing medieval Hindu rulers, to biopics in praise of its leaders.
—Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
Erasing historic figures from the public sphere is an exercise in power going back to the pharaohs, a way rulers ensured future generations couldn’t learn about their enemies.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Egypt's president has traveled to almost every Gulf capital to meet with rulers in the region in recent days.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 23 Mar. 2026
In the early modern period, the Catholic rulers of Europe commissioned splendid textiles and works in precious metal from some of the most accomplished craftspeople of their day and shipped them to Jerusalem as gifts to ornament the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
—Sarah Kozlowski, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
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
Anthony has 11 more rulers than the next closest act on the all-time list, Victor Manuelle, who boasts 28.
—Kevin Rutherford, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026
During her lifetime, the Abbasid dynasty rose to power in Baghdad and quickly sought to curtail the imamate’s popularity because many Muslims viewed Ali’s family as the only legitimate rulers.
—Mary Thurlkill, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Many of the opportunities available were in projects that supported the state’s narrative — from historical dramas valorizing medieval Hindu rulers, to biopics in praise of its leaders.
—Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
Erasing historic figures from the public sphere is an exercise in power going back to the pharaohs, a way rulers ensured future generations couldn’t learn about their enemies.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Egypt's president has traveled to almost every Gulf capital to meet with rulers in the region in recent days.
—Npr Staff, NPR, 23 Mar. 2026
In the early modern period, the Catholic rulers of Europe commissioned splendid textiles and works in precious metal from some of the most accomplished craftspeople of their day and shipped them to Jerusalem as gifts to ornament the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
—Sarah Kozlowski, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rulers
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
Noun
-
The Mughal court, which is renowned for its architectural brilliance, administrative prowess, and powerful emperors, witnessed a number of deaths surrounded by suspicion, secrecy, and intrigue.—
Tamanna Nangia,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The fantasy story is set in a world of emperors and empresses, replete with castles and lavish costumes.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Encouraged and frightened by the events at Naples, other sovereigns granted constitutions.—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Whatever their precise content, the blessings of liberty allow people to be something like sovereigns over their own lives.—
Cass Sunstein,
Big Think,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rulers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rulers. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
