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

Monarchical trappings dignified Napoleon Bonaparte’s power grab and still dignify the Inauguration Days of American presidents.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Monarchical rule was overthrown in 509 B.C. and was soon replaced by a crude form of popular government.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2016

Unknown in early times, recognized in Monarchical Period, 48 Slow-carts Country.

From Myths and Legends of China by Werner, E. T. C. (Edward Theodore Chalmers)

The two types of Democratic or free Imperialism—the Monarchical and the Republican—can be better illustrated by a comparative short historical study of their development in Great Britain and her colonies, and in the United States.

From England, Canada and the Great War by Desjardins, Louis-Georges

For Strafford's theory of Monarchical government she cared as little as she cared for Pym's theory of Parliamentary government.

From Browning's England A Study in English Influences in Browning by Clarke, Helen Archibald