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
All bridesmaids, perhaps? Kris Jenner The matriarch and manager of the Kardashian family (which includes Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner).
—
Vogue, 16 May 2025
The thorny issue was re-litigated at a fascinating reunion, where Lyons finally spoke up and asserted herself as the voice of reason — and the matriarch — of the group.
—Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2025
On the Gemstones mourning the loss of the matriarch
A lot of people don't have experience with running a mega church or can identify with that.
—Tonya Mosley, NPR, 12 May 2025
Despite Aimee-Leigh dying prior to the events of the series, Nettles' late Gemstone matriarch (and June Carter and Tammy Faye Messner mashup) maintained a strong presence thanks to flashback episodes.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for matriarch
Vogue, 16 May 2025
The thorny issue was re-litigated at a fascinating reunion, where Lyons finally spoke up and asserted herself as the voice of reason — and the matriarch — of the group.
—Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 13 May 2025
On the Gemstones mourning the loss of the matriarch
A lot of people don't have experience with running a mega church or can identify with that.
—Tonya Mosley, NPR, 12 May 2025
Despite Aimee-Leigh dying prior to the events of the series, Nettles' late Gemstone matriarch (and June Carter and Tammy Faye Messner mashup) maintained a strong presence thanks to flashback episodes.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for matriarch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for matriarch
Noun
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The empress dowager’s legacy Empress Dowager Ling was largely unsuccessful in her bid for power.—
Stephanie Balkwill,
The Conversation,
17 Mar. 2025
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Playing an acid-tongue dowager or master teacher of witchcraft came naturally to her, but what thrilled her about acting was its transformative freedom.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Sep. 2024
Noun
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Mary Thema, a clinical matron at Kadoma General Hospital, says Kelly’s case underlines this challenge.—
Cynthia Tully,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
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The aristocratic matron in question, Lady Hemphill, would often accompany her husband to the Huston estate, located in the rugged pastures and boglands of County Galway, for dinner parties and hunting expeditions.—
Erik Morse,
Vogue,
15 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Matriarch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matriarch. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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