Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Exercising power or authority; reigning: Describes a monarch or ruler who currently holds the throne and exercises sovereign power.
   • Predominant, prevailing, or widespread: Describes something, such as a style, idea, or influence, that is currently dominant or most common.

Usage and Examples

• As an adjective (reigning monarch):
  • The regnant queen addressed her nation on the eve of the historic treaty.
  • During the regnant period of Elizabeth I, England saw a great flourishing of the arts.
• As an adjective (prevailing influence):
  • The regnant opinion among scientists is that climate change is largely human-induced.
  • Minimalism was the regnant aesthetic in architecture for much of the decade.

Advanced Usage

• "regnant idea": The idea that is currently most influential or accepted.
  • The regnant idea in economics has shifted significantly since the financial crisis.
• "regnant class": The social class that currently holds dominant power.
  • The analysis focused on the interests of the regnant class in that society.

Variants and Related Words

• Reign (verb): To rule as a monarch.
• Regency (noun): A period when a country is ruled by a regent, or the office of a regent.
• Regnal (adjective): Of or relating to a reign.

Synonyms

• Reigning: Currently ruling (used for monarchs).
• Ruling: Exercising authority or governance.
• Predominant: Having superior strength, influence, or authority; most common.
• Prevailing: Most frequent or common; currently dominant.

Antonyms

• Powerless: Lacking power or authority.
• Subordinate: Lower in rank or position.
• Obsolete: No longer in general use; out of date.

Adjective

1. exercising power or authority