The phrase "estate of the realm" refers to the social, political and economic classes that existed in medieval times, including the nobility, the clergy and the common people. Synonyms for this phrase include "society," "the ruling class," "the upper crust," and "the elite." Other synonyms could include "the aristocracy," "noblesse oblige," "the better-off," and "the moneyed class." In contemporary usage, the phrase "estate of the realm" can also describe the current state of a particular area or field, such as the "estate of the realm of science." Overall, these synonyms help to paint a picture of the societal hierarchy and its accompanying power dynamics.