CLERGY Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

clergy

noun

ˈklər-jē

Definition of clergy

as in church

the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church when people find out she's a member of the clergy, they suddenly change their manner

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laity

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of clergy Conversations with members of clergy are often privileged and cannot be introduced as evidence against a defendant. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Buddhist clergy quickly responded—opening schools in Hilo and Kona in 1898 and in Honolulu in 1902, and sparking a showdown between leaders of both religions. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 21 Aug. 2026 In 2024, Hamilton was a strong supporter of the decision by the United Methodist Church to allow LGBTQ+ clergy. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026 Saunders is one of the most senior Australian Catholics to be convicted in a global clergy abuse scandal that has besieged the Vatican for years. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clergy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clergy

Noun

Investigators later determined the shooter fired more than 100 rounds from a rifle into the church.

— Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
And in 1911 a disgruntled ex-Mormon hid a camera under his coat and snapped surreptitious photos of the temple’s interior in an unsuccessful attempt to blackmail the church.

— Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of church

Noun

The diaconate represents the Church’s third degree of holy orders, below the presbyterate, or priests, and episcopate, or bishops.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
Vatican observers have long speculated that Francis saw Prevost as a potential successor, especially given his rapid rise and central role in shaping the modern episcopate.

— Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

Definition of episcopate

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clergies

clergy

clergyman

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“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clergy. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of clergy

noun

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