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
Park staff and wildlife advocates alike took comfort in knowing 907 died naturally and not at the hands of a human or a car — unlike the park’s other famed matriarch, grizzly bear 399.
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Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2025
Since the matriarch is no longer living at home, Kristin is stepping up.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024
In 2016, the Dune actress appeared alongside the 32-time Grammy winner in the latter’s Lemonade album film, and Bey’s mom, Tina Knowles, even said in April that Z reminds the matriarch of her famous eldest daughter.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Jan. 2025
The sisters, their kids, and matriarch Kris Jenner posed in matching pajamas for a special screening at Kim Kardashian’s home, which had been transformed into a pink and green wonderland.
—Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for matriarch 
Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2025
Since the matriarch is no longer living at home, Kristin is stepping up.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024
In 2016, the Dune actress appeared alongside the 32-time Grammy winner in the latter’s Lemonade album film, and Bey’s mom, Tina Knowles, even said in April that Z reminds the matriarch of her famous eldest daughter.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Jan. 2025
The sisters, their kids, and matriarch Kris Jenner posed in matching pajamas for a special screening at Kim Kardashian’s home, which had been transformed into a pink and green wonderland.
—Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for matriarch
Thesaurus Entries Near matriarch
Cite this Entry
“Matriarch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/matriarch. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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