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 violence of the last several days has laid bare challenges Syria’s new rulers had, up until last week, largely contained or met: resistance by Assad regime remnants, sectarian revenge attacks, and maintaining discipline over a patchwork of armed militant groups and hard-line foreign fighters.—
Taylor Luck,
The Christian Science Monitor,
10 Mar. 2025
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Only now, with ruler Bashar al-Assad forcibly ousted last December, can Sarout's singing be played publicly in Syria.—
Jawad Rizkallah,
NPR,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The monarch, wearing a red tie and an Order of Canada lapel pin, congratulated Carney on his recent victory.—
Rob Gillies,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2025
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Kate Middleton Makes Royal Return to St. Patrick's Day Parade: See All the Best Photos Princess Kate made a rare outing amid her cancer treatment in June 2024 during Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of the British monarch's birthday.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The former England soccer captain is an ambassador for The King's Foundation, the sovereign's longtime charity promoting sustainability through practical training, which sent students and alumni to the glam banquet before the King and Queen's trip to Italy in April.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
11 Mar. 2025
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No longer would the sovereign have to beg for funds.—
Andrew Cockburn,
Harper's Magazine,
20 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Potentate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potentate. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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