nabobs
/ˈneɪ.bɒbz/
NOUN
1. Indian rulers or governors during the Mughal Empire
Provincial rulers or high-ranking officials in India during the Mughal Empire, traditionally known as nawabs.
1.1. Referring to historical Indian rulers
Used in historical contexts to describe Indian provincial rulers or officials who exercised political and administrative authority under the Mughal Empire.
Synonyms
Examples
- The historical records describe the nabobs as influential regional rulers.
- The visiting European merchants negotiated trade agreements with the local nabobs.
Related Words
- Mughal Empire
- India
- governors
- rulers
- princes
- rajas
- sovereigns
- provincial administration
NOUN
2. People of great wealth, power, or importance
People who possess considerable wealth, influence, social standing, or authority, often occupying prominent positions in business, politics, or society.
2.1. Referring to wealthy and influential people
Used to describe affluent individuals or prominent figures who enjoy substantial financial resources, social influence, or high status.
Synonyms
- VIPs
- barons
- big boys
- big cheeses
- big guns
- big leaguers
- big shots
- big wheels
- big-timers
- bigwigs
- fat cats
- heavyweights
- honchos
- magnates
- moguls
- tycoons
- kingpins
- potentates
- nawabs
Antonyms
- inferiors
- lightweights
- mediocrities
- nobodies
- nonentities
- obscurities
- subordinates
- underlings
- zeroes
- zeros
- zilches
Examples
- The exclusive club was frequented by wealthy nabobs who enjoyed the finest luxuries.
- In the historic city, the grand mansions belonged to a community of influential nabobs.
- The social event attracted a gathering of influential nabobs from various industries.
- Local politics were often influenced by a group of powerful nabobs with extensive connections.
Related Words
2.2. Referring to prominent or high-ranking figures
Used when emphasizing someone's importance, authority, or standing in a particular organization, industry, or social circle.
Synonyms
- heavy hitters
- heavyweights
- kingpins
- kings
- lions
- major leaguers
- princes
- tsars
- czars
- pooh-bahs
- muckety-mucks
- notables
- personages
Antonyms
- nobodies
- nonentities
- underlings
- subordinates
- lightweights
Examples
- The social event attracted a gathering of influential nabobs from various industries.
- Local politics were often influenced by a group of powerful nabobs with extensive connections.
Related Words
- leadership
- hierarchy
- authority
- influence
- distinction
- eminence
- leadership position
- public prominence
NOUN
3. People with grandiose styles or manners
People whose behavior, appearance, or manner is characterized by an exaggerated display of importance, grandeur, or self-importance.
3.1. Displaying an imposing or self-important manner
Used to describe people who present themselves with an exaggerated sense of importance, status, or grandeur.
Synonyms
- bigwigs
- big shots
- magnates
- moguls
- potentates
- pooh-bahs
Antonyms
- nobodies
- nonentities
- mediocrities
Examples
- The elegant ballroom was filled with the laughter and conversations of well-dressed nabobs.
- The powerful nabobs enjoyed being treated as the most important guests at the reception.
Related Words
- grandiosity
- pomposity
- self-importance
- grandeur
- ostentation
- arrogance
- pretension