royalist

noun

roy·​al·​ist ˈrȯi-ə-list How to pronounce royalist (audio)
1
often capitalized : an adherent of a king or of monarchical government: such as
2
: a reactionary business tycoon
royalist adjective

Examples of royalist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Thaksin has been at the heart of a two-decade power struggle between the Shinawatra family and its clique of capitalist upstarts, and a nexus of royalists, generals and old-money families that have long wielded influence over Thai governments and institutions. Reuters, NBC News, 19 Feb. 2024 The verdict, in effect, lays out explicitly that the royal defamation law is sacrosanct for Thailand’s conservative establishment, a nexus of royalists, military officials and wealthy elites. Muktita Suhartono, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2024 The Englishman Nicholas Cresswell, a royalist who came to the colonies just as a Revolutionary War effort was heating up, described in his journal a stay at the Cattail Ordinary, a kind of 18th century bed-and-breakfast. Teo Armus, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2024 Eventually, with the 1660 Restoration of Charles II, royalists returned to England. Anne M. Thell, Washington Post, 27 June 2023 For many in Thailand, Mr. Thaksin’s timing only confirmed their suspicions that a quid pro quo arrangement had been made between Pheu Thai and the conservative establishment to have his prison sentence reduced in exchange for keeping the military and royalists in power. Sui-Lee Wee, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2023 Pressure from American and European businessmen who, like Thurston, hungered for the dissolution of the Hawaiian monarchy, had reached a boiling point, and the threat of force against royalists was undeniable. Kate C. Lemay, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2023 Move Forward has also championed the amendment of Section 112, a controversial lese-majeste law criticized by pro-democracy activists but upheld by the junta and royalists, including Move Forward’s coalition partner Pheu Thai. Time, 3 July 2023 During this time, royalists like Cavendish were forced to flee to the continent, as their estates were confiscated and their fortunes lost. Anne M. Thell, Washington Post, 27 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'royalist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of royalist was in 1640

Dictionary Entries Near royalist

Cite this Entry

“Royalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/royalist. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

royalist

noun
roy·​al·​ist ˈrȯi-ə-ləst How to pronounce royalist (audio)
: a person who supports a sovereign
royalist adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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