NYT Dictionary

POTENTATE

/ˈpoʊ.tən.teɪt/
NounAdjectivePO-ten-tatepo-ten-tate · 3 syllablesGrade 9

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2023, 2026

Meaning

A powerful leader; a monarch; a ruler.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English potentat, from Old French, from Late Latin potentātus (“rule, political power”), from Latin potēns (“powerful, strong”), the active present participle of possum (“to be able”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dictatorchiefchieftaincrowndynastemperorkingmajestymonarchoverlord

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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