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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of potentate
A number of sports potentates will be making the Idaho scene, at a moment when tens of billions of dollars are changing hands in pursuit of ever-valuable rights.
—
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 July 2024
This was a violin in full command of its considerable powers, a violin capable of enchanting the most powerful potentate in the land and persuading him to do its bidding.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2024
This must remain a country that rejects princes or potentates.
—Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2024
Maybe bringing in the charity will boost the power of a local potentate.
—Leif Wenar, WIRED, 27 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for potentate
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 July 2024
This was a violin in full command of its considerable powers, a violin capable of enchanting the most powerful potentate in the land and persuading him to do its bidding.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2024
This must remain a country that rejects princes or potentates.
—Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Jan. 2024
Maybe bringing in the charity will boost the power of a local potentate.
—Leif Wenar, WIRED, 27 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for potentate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentate
Noun
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Charles Edwards’ Lord Celebrimbor is one of the many rulers unknowingly under Sauron’s thumb, though Vickers finds earnestness in Sauron’s intentions.—
Lauren Coates,
Variety,
9 June 2025
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Hamada, however, stated that the DFLP has maintained its relationship with the new rulers of Damascus and expects to do so for the foreseeable future.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Noun
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In a nearby gallery, Saville stopped before a portrait of Philip IV of Spain, by Velázquez, and remarked at the skill with which the artist had made a curl of light-brown hair lift from the monarch’s brow.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
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The Sun recently reported there is a potential shortage of pheasants at the monarch’s Sandringham Estate, which could affect the chances of a full shooting calendar this winter.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2025
Noun
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Archie and Lilibet were afforded the titles of prince and princess as grandchildren of the sovereign when King Charles acceded in September 2022 and the confirmation came upon Princess Lilibet's christening in March 2023.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
4 June 2025
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Historically, diplomats served as messengers between sovereigns.—
Majeed Javdani,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Potentate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentate. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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