cleric

noun

cler·​ic ˈkler-ik How to pronounce cleric (audio)
ˈkle-rik
Synonyms of clericnext
: a member of the clergy

Synonyms of cleric

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Examples of cleric in a Sentence

clerics were sharply divided on the issue of whether the war was morally justified
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After six months of war, Iran’s leadership has coalesced around a hard core of military generals and clerics long entrenched in the ruling theocracy. — Lee Keath, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 Iran's Assembly of Experts, a group of 88 clerics, picked the mid-ranking cleric with influence in the country's security forces and business networks to succeed his father, announcing the decision March 8. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The story begins in 1810, when Johann Wilhelm Ebel, a young cleric who had studied at the University of Königsberg, returned to the city as a teacher and preacher. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 But both Australian clerics successfully appealed their convictions. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cleric

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin clericus

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleric was in 1611

Rhymes for cleric

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Browse Nearby Words

clergywoman
cleric
clerical
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Cite this Entry

“Cleric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleric. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cleric

noun
cler·​ic ˈkler-ik How to pronounce cleric (audio)
: a member of the clergy
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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