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
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 potentate
The game is a playground for Russian oligarchs, Middle Eastern potentates, and Latin American strongmen—his people.
—
Franklin Foer,
The Atlantic,
7 Apr. 2026
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
Why don’t all the rich potentates, sheiks, oligarchs and MAGA dictators meet and fix it?
—
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
But in his mid-80s, King George ponders whether to abdicate and devote his remaining days to finding female companionship (the aging potentate remains potent with the help of Viagra and similar pharmaceuticals).
—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for potentate
Franklin Foer,
The Atlantic,
7 Apr. 2026
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
Why don’t all the rich potentates, sheiks, oligarchs and MAGA dictators meet and fix it?
—
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
But in his mid-80s, King George ponders whether to abdicate and devote his remaining days to finding female companionship (the aging potentate remains potent with the help of Viagra and similar pharmaceuticals).
—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for potentate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentate
Noun
-
Since overthrowing the Assad dynasty, Syria’s new rulers have struggled to exert control across the country and to check extremist groups.
-
The aluminum venture also deepens the relationship between IHC — chaired by Abu Dhabi’s deputy ruler Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed — and billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate, following IHC’s $2 billion investment in Adani companies in 2022.
Noun
-
After presenting the honors at the investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the monarch donned a top hat for a garden party at the palace with Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and Prince Edward.
-
The royal family's most recent group outing was at the annual Trooping the Colour military parade on June 13, celebrating the official birthday of Britain's monarch, King Charles III.
Noun
-
The centuries-old ceremony sees the sovereign symbolically accept the keys to the city of Edinburgh and immediately return them for safekeeping.
-
This has seen both sovereigns and corporates raising billions of dollars in conventional bonds and sukuk over recent months.
Cite this Entry
“Potentate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
