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
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
-
In addition to claiming the second-most No. 1s of all time, Linkin Park has also scored multiple long-running rulers.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
-
With your planetary ruler, Saturn, entering Aries and your fourth house of home and family, you’re being called to tend to your personal life.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
26 May 2025
Noun
-
The name is inspired by the Spanish royal family’s practice of gifting pairs of merino sheep to other monarchs to honor its relationships.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
29 May 2025
-
On May 26, the Danish monarch presented Count Nikolai of Monpezat and Count Felix of Monpezat with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Finally last week, Moody’s downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1 citing years-long fiscal weakening and a materially higher interest burden than other Aaa sovereigns carry.—
Ann Rutledge,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
-
But there is no global sovereign, just a balance of national powers.—
Henry Leutwyler Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Quinton Kamara,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Potentate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentate. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share