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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of potentate
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
In early-modern Europe, the Medicis and other potentates created what were the microfinance schemes of their time, lending small sums of money to poor citizens.
—Mark Malloch-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 15 Jan. 2024
This must remain a country that rejects princes or potentates.
—Washington Examiner, 21 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for potentate
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
In early-modern Europe, the Medicis and other potentates created what were the microfinance schemes of their time, lending small sums of money to poor citizens.
—Mark Malloch-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 15 Jan. 2024
This must remain a country that rejects princes or potentates.
—Washington Examiner, 21 Nov. 2023
See All Example Sentences for potentate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentate
Noun
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His interest in sports analytics comes from his math teacher father, who handed out rulers to Trick-or-Treaters each year.—
Jesse Newell,
Kansas City Star,
23 Apr. 2025
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The brand new full-length arrives as a success across a number of rankings, launching atop several Billboard tallies – and this latest champion is different from his previous rulers.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The British monarch is expected to skip the late pontiff's funeral service at St Peter's Basilica church in the Vatican on April 26, keeping in line with royal traditions, Kensington Palace confirmed to Vanity Fair and Us Weekly.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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Yet, in truth, Pope Francis simply did what every other pope (or monarch, world leader, or even CEO) would do: surrounded himself with like-minded people.—
Made by History,
Time,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Since the 15th century, the number of recipients has been related to the years of the sovereign’s life.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
17 Apr. 2025
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The sovereign has no governmental power in the U.K. or influence on RAVEC.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Potentate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentate. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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