ruler

noun

ˈrü-lər How to pronounce ruler (audio)
Definition of rulernext
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

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 ruler The autonomous territory is still a part of Denmark, its former colonial ruler. — Juliette Pavy, The Dial, 1 Apr. 2025 During this same week, your eccentric cosmic ruler Uranus will be sending out a slew of positive connections to a whole cluster of planets, including motivated Mars and romantic Venus. — Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025 Your celestial ruler, Mercury, is retrograde and slipping back into Pisces — your 10th house of authority, career and public persona — urging you to take a second look at your professional goals and dreams. — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025 Mark where the two ends of the string meet and measure the length with a ruler. — Bianca London, Glamour, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ruler
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruler
  1. monarch
  2. sovereign
  3. emperor
  4. king
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of monarch
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
Definition of sovereign
Noun
  • Travelers may see a variety of penguins including Adélie, emperor, chinstrap, king, rockhopper, gentoo and macaroni.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The artifacts likely date back to the period when the Roman emperor Claudius was invading Britain.
    — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of emperor
Noun
  • And here is the reigning plus-minus king for both Dubuque and Western Michigan.
    — Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The king was photographed meeting Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni in Rome on Wednesday, at a time of international turmoil brought on by Donald Trump's tariffs.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of king

Browse Nearby Words

rule out
ruler
rulers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruler. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on ruler

Nglish: Translation of ruler for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a game of hangman on lined paper
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All