ECCLESIASTICAL Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

ecclesiastical

adjective

i-ˌklē-zē-ˈa-sti-kəl

Definition of ecclesiastical

as in ecclesiastic

of or relating to a church ecclesiastical laws that have been in existence for centuries

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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 ecclesiastical Walsh’s ruling gave the OCA, which is the largest of three Russian Orthodox ecclesiastical bodies in the United States, authority to govern the parish and the judge ordered the parish’s former leaders to vacate the property by June 2025. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026 These final days of Lent, constituting the most solemn season of the ecclesiastical year, will commemorate the passion and death of Christ. — From Staff Reports, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 2 Apr. 2026 With the creation of 15 additional dioceses in 2025, the church now boasts 176 dioceses and 14 ecclesiastical provinces across the country. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 So, according to the current ecclesiastical rules, Easter is to be celebrated on April 5. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ecclesiastical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ecclesiastical

Adjective

This will be followed by a final period in Florence to learn the technique and historical evolution of egg tempera, to acquire ancient handweaving skills and expand her knowledge of its applications in the ecclesiastic context.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Back then, Kennedy was constantly fending off accusations from Protestant ecclesiastic types who were wary that his nomination meant the pontiff, John XXIII, was already packing his bags for a move into the White House.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

Definition of ecclesiastic

Adjective

Most are men between the ages of 18 and 49, without a college degree, earning less than $50,000 a year, less religious than average, and likely to also drink alcohol.

— Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Deepak and Madhu Ahuja, Plano, Texas, business owners who have been married for 34 years, were in the area for a religious journey to Mount Kailash, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of religious

Adjective

For Leo, that distinction comes from making the highly recognizable papal wardrobe part of his own public style.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Ghost have shared the new trailer for 2 Big to Rig, the upcoming concert film documenting the Swedish papal heavy metal outfit’s 2025 gigs in Mexico City.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026

Definition of papal

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ecclesiastic

ecclesiastical

ecclesiastics

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“Ecclesiastical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ecclesiastical. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of ecclesiastical

adjective

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