1
as in dowagers
a dignified usually elderly woman of some rank or authority
as the grand dames of local society, they determined which charities received support
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in ladies
a woman of high birth or social position
the lords and dames of the shire eagerly awaited the royal visit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dames
Perhaps unknowingly, the star was partaking in a fashion tradition set by the dames of Cortina long ago.
—
ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
Along with Elba, this year’s Honors include British comedian, writer, and actor Meera Syal and England women’s football coach Sarina Wiegman, who have been made honorary dames, and British writer Roy Clarke, who was also knighted.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2025
Honolulu hotels vary from beachfront grand dames like Halekulani to boutique stays like Kaimana Beach Hotel.
—Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2025
ABC News, 18 Feb. 2026
Along with Elba, this year’s Honors include British comedian, writer, and actor Meera Syal and England women’s football coach Sarina Wiegman, who have been made honorary dames, and British writer Roy Clarke, who was also knighted.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2025
Honolulu hotels vary from beachfront grand dames like Halekulani to boutique stays like Kaimana Beach Hotel.
—Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dames
Noun
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Extra perks include a Chanel counter in the ladies powder room with a makeup artist and seamstress on hand for a helping spritz ‘n’ stitch, while those chasing Derby glory stick close to the dedicated betting advisor for the inside track on the top trainers and horses to wager on.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
30 Apr. 2026
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Set in the late 1980s, the film follows 13-year-old Felice (an exceptional Tiziano Menichelli), a budding tennis star whose overbearing father hooks him up with Raul Getti (Favino), a flameout former pro with a new lithium prescription and a serious ladies-man streak.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There was also a shift toward elaborate descriptions of what society matrons wore to events, and again, women were believed to be more able to provide these verbal illustrations.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Koh-i-Noor diamond is part of the British crown jewels, and it has previously been set into the crowns worn by British queens.—
Emma Caughlan,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
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In addition to items used during coronations, the collection also includes luxurious pieces of jewelry worn by kings and queens.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dames. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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