monarchical

American  

[muh-nahr-ki-kuhl] / məˈnɑr kɪ kəl /

Also monarchic

adjective

1. of, like, or pertaining to a monarch or monarchy.

2. characterized by or favoring monarchy.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• premonarchical
  adjective
• semimonarchic
  adjective
• unmonarchic
  adjective
• nonmonarchic
  adjective
• unmonarchically
  adverb
• antimonarchic
  adjective
• monarchically
  adverb
• unmonarchical
  adjective
• nonmonarchically
  adverb
• antimonarchical
  adjective
• antimonarchically
  adverb
• semimonarchical
  adjective
• semimonarchically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of monarchical

First recorded in 1570–80; from Greek monarchik(ós) (from mónarch(os) monarch + -ikos -ic ) + -al ¹

Explanation

A society that's monarchical is ruled by a king or queen. In a monarchical state, rulers inherit their power from their parents or other relatives. Some monarchical states are known as "elected monarchies," in which citizens elect a monarch, but most have been hereditary, with monarchical rule passing from parent to child, and lasting for the ruler's lifetime. This style of government is unusual today, though it was common before the nineteenth century. Most remaining monarchical countries, like Great Britain, are constitutional monarchies, in which the king or queen has a ceremonial role. The Greek root word is monarkhia, "ruling of one."

Example Sentences

But they are assaults on the country’s character as a republic born from distrust of monarchical grandiosity.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

As more than one commentator has pointed out, France – with its monarchical instincts and top-down conception of power – has never developed a culture of compromise.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2024

Supreme Court justice—donned the ceremonial attire of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George upon being granted a knighthood from the monarchical religious-military order.

From Slate • Nov. 4, 2024

It felt like an appropriately monarchical appearance for the occasion, and Dion’s appearance was a reminder that, even if she is not singing, she’s still here, still a star.

From New York Times • Feb. 5, 2024

Adams tried to laugh himself out of the monarchical morass, claiming that he simply wanted to assure that the executive branch of the government enjoyed a fighting chance against the awesome powers of the legislature.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis