as in dowager
a dignified usually elderly woman of some rank or authority
even though she was 87, the matriarch of the family knew everything that was going on
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of matriarch
The network has also cast Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley, the matriarch of the beloved Weasley family, who was previously played by Julie Walters.
—
Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 9 June 2025
Beech trees often come in clusters, as the matriarch sprouts dense groves, producing nuts that are a nutritious staple of birds and critters galore.
—Robert Sullivan, Curbed, 9 June 2025
Here, the inimitable matriarch Aurora Greenway’s suitors circle, clueless as Emma Woodhouse’s.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
Named after the family matriarch, Sigrid showcases the elegance and complexity achievable in Willamette Valley Chardonnay, with vibrant acidity, a layered, creamy texture, and remarkable age-worthiness.
—Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for matriarch
Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 9 June 2025
Beech trees often come in clusters, as the matriarch sprouts dense groves, producing nuts that are a nutritious staple of birds and critters galore.
—Robert Sullivan, Curbed, 9 June 2025
Here, the inimitable matriarch Aurora Greenway’s suitors circle, clueless as Emma Woodhouse’s.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
Named after the family matriarch, Sigrid showcases the elegance and complexity achievable in Willamette Valley Chardonnay, with vibrant acidity, a layered, creamy texture, and remarkable age-worthiness.
—Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for matriarch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matriarch
Noun
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The empress dowager’s legacy Empress Dowager Ling was largely unsuccessful in her bid for power.—
Stephanie Balkwill,
The Conversation,
17 Mar. 2025
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Playing an acid-tongue dowager or master teacher of witchcraft came naturally to her, but what thrilled her about acting was its transformative freedom.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Sep. 2024
Noun
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Mary Thema, a clinical matron at Kadoma General Hospital, says Kelly’s case underlines this challenge.—
Cynthia Tully,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
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The aristocratic matron in question, Lady Hemphill, would often accompany her husband to the Huston estate, located in the rugged pastures and boglands of County Galway, for dinner parties and hunting expeditions.—
Erik Morse,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Matriarch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matriarch. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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