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 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
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
See All Example Sentences for potentate
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
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
See All Example Sentences for potentate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potentate
Noun
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The dynastic rulers in the French House of Bourbon, unlike the rulers in Britain, did not cede power voluntarily; Robespierre and the Jacobins took it from them violently in the French Revolution.—
Robert D. Atkinson,
National Review,
9 Apr. 2025
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Huge Tomb of Unknown Pharaoh Found: The burial chamber in Egypt most likely belonged to a ruler in a line of kings once lost to history, researchers said.—
Noriko Hayashi,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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According to People magazine, the visit is part of the monarch’s efforts to strengthen the U.K.’s relationship with key European allies.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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While events were shuffled around to fit a new schedule, the royals will also be about to pace themselves following the monarch's recent health setback.—
Stephanie Petit,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The sovereign has no governmental power in the U.K. or influence on RAVEC.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Constitutionally, the sovereign has no governmental power in the U.K. or influence on RAVEC, but the Duke of Sussex believes that his father could intervene to ensure such protection is extended.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Potentate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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