General Synonyms:
* Sovereign: This word emphasizes the supreme power and authority of the monarch.
* Ruler: This is a more general term for someone who holds power and authority.
* King/Queen: These are the most common specific terms for monarchs.
* Emperor/Empress: These terms are used for monarchs who rule over empires.
* Head of State: This is a more neutral term that can be used for any leader of a nation, including monarchs.
* Chief Executive: This term emphasizes the monarch's role as the ultimate decision-maker.
More Specific Synonyms:
* Autocrat: This term implies that the monarch has absolute power.
* Despot: This term suggests that the monarch is a tyrant who rules cruelly.
* Tyrant: Similar to "despot," this word emphasizes the monarch's oppressive rule.
* Regent: This term is used for a person who rules temporarily in place of a monarch, usually due to the monarch's age or illness.
Figurative Synonyms:
* Lord: This term is often used poetically or metaphorically to describe a powerful individual, not necessarily a monarch.
* Master: Similar to "lord," this word can be used figuratively to denote a ruler or a dominant force.
The best synonym to use will depend on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.