as in monarch
one who rules over a people with a sole, supreme, and usually hereditary authority
the aging ruler agonized over the choice of an heir
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ruler
Much later, Russia found another means of exerting control over the Persian crown, loaning millions of rubles to its rulers, like Mozaffar ed-Din Shah, who reigned from 1896-1902 and needed capital to fund his lavish lifestyle.
—
Daniel Thomas Potts, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Since the fall of Assad in December 2024, members of the country’s Alawite, Druze and Christian minorities have been subjected to attacks by gunmen loyal to the country’s new Islamist rulers.
—ABC News, 28 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, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
An additional set including the ruler and eternal pen will cost an extra $49 for backers and $89 at retail.
—Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Daniel Thomas Potts, The Conversation, 30 Mar. 2026
Since the fall of Assad in December 2024, members of the country’s Alawite, Druze and Christian minorities have been subjected to attacks by gunmen loyal to the country’s new Islamist rulers.
—ABC News, 28 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, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
An additional set including the ruler and eternal pen will cost an extra $49 for backers and $89 at retail.
—Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruler
Noun
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Author Hugo Vickers writes in his new book Queen Elizabeth II, out in April, that the monarch did not believe the allegations against her son, which may go some way to explaining why stronger action was not taken against the former prince until after her death.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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At earlier periods of history, the role used to involve giving political advice to the monarch.—
Robbie Griffiths,
NPR,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In You Dreamed of Empires (2024), the emperor Moctezuma stalks his palace in 1519 Tenochtitlan—today’s Mexico City—in a fog of psychedelic-induced delirium, glammed-out like an Aztec David Bowie.—
Anderson Tepper,
Literary Hub,
30 Mar. 2026
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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
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The sovereign's sisters, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie, stood side by side.—
Séraphine Roger,
Vanity Fair,
28 Mar. 2026
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The hope was that the visit, the first by a British sovereign in nearly two decades, would help smooth fractured relations between the two nations.—
Harriet Marsden,
TheWeek,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Accessibility The bar and common areas are ADA Accessible, as are a few of the king rooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruler. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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