elites

noun

plural of elite
as in aristocracies
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class the winners of this science award represent the elite of our high schools

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of elites Meanwhile, new Gallup research suggested the technology’s benefits have largely been concentrated among elites. — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 In the absence of any sustained challenge to their power, elites seem to trust their capacity to continually outmaneuver the majority of the population regardless of whether or not they are actually trusted. — Via Haymarket Books, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 Voters should select their candidates instead of the elites who spend millions of dollars to place their preferred candidates in office. — Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026 These privileged few will be sitting on a time bomb of their own making, similar to that faced by political and economic elites during the waning years of the Ming dynasty. — Carl Minzner, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026 The gruesome 2023 murder of Choi, who rubbed shoulders with showbiz elites at fashion events and had a significant online following, sent shockwaves through the wealthy financial hub and made global headlines. — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026 That’s the term the Dolphins’ first-year head coach used when talking about the NFL’s elites. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 No, the Unabomber, a onetime math genius and professor named Ted Kaczynski, was basically a hermit nerd in a Montana cabin who mailed bombs to scientists, engineers, professors, and other elites. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026 More than 80 years ago a novel sent shockwaves through Fort Worth for its portrayal of the city’s elites. — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elites
  1. best
  2. societies
  3. elect
Noun
  • Pugh’s performance is a master class in physicality and flair, one of her career bests.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But for the second straight week, Kelce had game-bests in receptions and receiving yards as the Chiefs beat the Colts 33-30 in overtime Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of best
Noun
  • Professional societies and standards organizations will need to develop and regularly update the technical requirements.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Cultural differences are also a concern, particularly with tourists visiting countries with much less permissive societies than the one they are used to.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of societies
Noun
  • The first meeting was in November of last year at the White House, when Mamdani was mayor elect, and the second was in February, also at the White House.
    — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The governor-elect faced a fight over removing Nick Balletto, who had initially been dismissive of Lamont as a candidate, as the Democratic state chair.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of elect

Browse Nearby Words

elite
elites
elitist
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Cite this Entry

“Elites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elites. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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