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

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

See Examples For:

monarchical

Washington himself declined the chance to appear on coins when he was president, considering the idea monarchical.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 11, 2025

"Irrespective of the nature of the regime in Kabul - monarchical, communist, or Islamist - there has been a natural warmth between Delhi and Kabul," The Indian Express newspaper noted.

From BBC ● Jan. 14, 2025

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

It reflected his genuine conviction that England was an inherently corrupt society, the bastion of monarchical power, aristocratic privilege, and courtly intrigue.

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