ELITES Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Relevance

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 The chances of Aschenbrenner being one of the wealthy elites who could afford to buy a galaxy, however, are now looking as remote as the possibility that humankind could ever conquer one within his lifetime. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026 But talking about corruption in a moral or systemic sense – observing that the country is in decline, or that elites are out of touch – can be effective. — Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 The country’s traditional elites were deeply threatened by Thaksin’s ascendance. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026 While some Americans see these events as a poor fit for the nation’s capital, a high-traffic city where locals mix with tourists and jet-riding elites, others have cheered the celebrations. — Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 That kind of pressure from the elites, in combination with other wartime strains on Russia’s economy and society, could force Putin to negotiate a peace deal, the source said. — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026 Political freedoms have often been severely restricted, workers have few rights and power has typically been concentrated in the hands of political elites. — Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2026 The comparison holds in the sense that the destination, which sits between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, is where wealthy elites descend to socialize and relax on weekends, during the summer, and over holidays. — Hannah Seligson, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2026 Across Africa, political elites have often sought healthcare or maintained homes abroad, even as public services at home struggle. — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elites

Noun

Benton had career bests in tackles (51), tackles for loss (6) and sacks (5 1/2) while helping the Steelers to the AFC North title.

— CBS News, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026
With the three-row Kia Sorento, the Hyundai Palisade retains the South Korean brands’ 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, both segment and industry bests.

— James Raia, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of best

Noun

These girls make mistakes and learn lessons while living in unfair, unequal and unjust societies in need of change.

— Tara Strauch, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
Such groups may include perennial nomads (such as the Roma in Europe), Indigenous peoples in former European colonies, or smaller tribes in societies where tribal membership is socially significant.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of societies

Noun

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
With energy prices moving higher in July so far, and recent strong statements on fighting inflation, markets see broadly a 1 in 3 chance that the FOMC elects to increase rates in July.

— Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of elect

Browse Nearby Words

elite

elites

elitist

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Elites.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elites. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of elites

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes