the fourth estate
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This view hinges on a low opinion of democracy and the fourth estate that has, to some extent, been borne out.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
Rather remained adamant, even through reputational degradation, that the real threat to journalism wasn’t liberal bias or declining ratings, but the corrosive takeover of the fourth estate by corporate and ideological power.
From Salon • Oct. 6, 2025
While the news media is sometimes referred to as the fourth estate, alongside the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, few think of stand-up comedy as a pillar of democracy.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2025
Clooney said he wanted to make a movie to let people hear some “really well-written words about the fourth estate again.”
From Seattle Times • May 13, 2024
It has raised itself to such a pitch of importance that it has been not inaptly termed the fourth estate of the realm.
From The Continental Monthly, Vol. 5, No. 1, January, 1864 by Various
