CLERGYPERSON Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

clergyperson

noun

ˈklər-jē-ˌpər-sᵊn

Definition of clergyperson

as in priest

a person specially trained and authorized to conduct religious services in a Christian church a clergyperson of your choice would be the best one to advise on this spiritual matter

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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 clergyperson What makes the family tradition sustainable in central Massachusetts, where the Vallelis now live, is a pastor-sharing arrangement between two congregations that couldn’t afford a full-time clergyperson on their own. — G. Jeffrey MacDonald, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clergyperson

Noun

There haven’t been any female popes, cardinals, archbishops or priests.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Even a local Catholic priest launched a holy war against the school over its new athletic facility.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of priest

Noun

Later in the service, the choir would sing a foot-stomping, hand-clapping rendition of a gospel song that set the tone for the preacher to follow with his gospel message.

— Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 21 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

Definition of preacher

Noun

Such details include McCartney’s bare feet and opposite stride and the other members’ attire (Lennon’s white supposedly represents a clergyman, Starr’s black a mourner, and Harrison’s denim a gravedigger).

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 July 2026
Robin, our hero, is the son of a country clergyman.

— John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026

Definition of clergyman

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clergymen

clergyperson

clergypersons

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“Clergyperson.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clergyperson. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of clergyperson

noun

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