as in dowager
a dignified usually elderly woman of some rank or authority
even though she was 87, the matriarch of the family knew everything that was going on
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Recent Examples of matriarch
Like Lyles, the Marshall family matriarch seized the opportunities presented by the Confederacy’s downfall to begin searching for her children, though initially without success.
—
Robert Colby, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025
The passing of the matriarch of the Bears franchise was confirmed by the team in a statement shared with the media.
—Victoria Edel, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025
Launched in honor of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, the campaign offers an intimate look at the mentors, matriarchs, and trailblazers who have provided the foundation for success on and off the field.
—Mecca Pryor, Essence, 1 Feb. 2025
But actress Catherine O'Hara, who played matriarch Kate McCallister, disagrees with the director about her character's occupation.
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for matriarch 
Robert Colby, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025
The passing of the matriarch of the Bears franchise was confirmed by the team in a statement shared with the media.
—Victoria Edel, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025
Launched in honor of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, the campaign offers an intimate look at the mentors, matriarchs, and trailblazers who have provided the foundation for success on and off the field.
—Mecca Pryor, Essence, 1 Feb. 2025
But actress Catherine O'Hara, who played matriarch Kate McCallister, disagrees with the director about her character's occupation.
—Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for matriarch
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Cite this Entry
“Matriarch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matriarch. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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