Baronne Anne Louise Germaine Necker de Steal-Holstein was an 18th-century French writer and philosopher who is often referred to simply as Madame de Staël. She was a prominent figure in the intellectual circles of the time and engaged in debates about politics, literature, and the arts. Her writing was innovative and influential, and she played an important role in shaping the cultural landscape of her day. Synonyms for Madame de Staël might include intellectual, thinker, writer, critic, philosopher, and pioneer. Her legacy continues to inspire scholars and thinkers around the world, and her work remains an important touchstone for those interested in the history of ideas.