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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ruler
Edward was the last ruler of the Anglo-Saxon royal line before the Norman Conquest.
—
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Built for the Fourth Dynasty ruler Menkaure, it was completed in the 26th century BC.
—Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
By reaching into the past, the California government acts as ruler rather than as a servant.
—Robertas Bakula, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Optional extras include a leather carrying case, a multifunctional extra-bit-storage ruler, and a set of extension sockets.
—New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Built for the Fourth Dynasty ruler Menkaure, it was completed in the 26th century BC.
—Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
By reaching into the past, the California government acts as ruler rather than as a servant.
—Robertas Bakula, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Optional extras include a leather carrying case, a multifunctional extra-bit-storage ruler, and a set of extension sockets.
—New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ruler
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruler
Noun
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His wife, Camilla, formerly the Duchess of Cornwall, became the Queen Consort, at the request of the former monarch.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
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King Charles is also scheduled to address Congress, marking only the second time a British monarch has delivered remarks to a joint meeting, after Queen Elizabeth II’s address in 1991, according to The Associated Press.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Instead of Gladiators fighting for our entertainment, the emperors are shadowboxing before an angry populace.—
Reed Albergotti,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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The film is based on Frank Herbert’s novel Dune Messiah and sees what happens when Paul becomes emperor.—
Daniel S. Levine,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The sovereign's sceptre with cross The sovereign's sceptre with cross dates back to 1661, when it was first used at the coronation of King Charles II.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
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Legitimate authority Historically, the conversation about a war’s justness began by asking whether a responsible sovereign had declared it.—
Valerie Morkevicius,
The Conversation,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Eventually, Ding moves his bishop to a square where it can be trapped, and the game is over; Gukesh is the youngest outright world champion in history, the game’s new king.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
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Like 250 years The king has the serendipitous timing of arriving as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ruler.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruler. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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