ministry

1 something used to achieve an end <I don't care by what ministry it's accomplished, so long as it's done> Synonyms agency, instrument, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, agent, organ, vehicleRelated Words determinant, expedient, factor, influence, ingredient, mechanism, tool; weapon; activator, animator, catalyst, driver, energizer, executor, generator, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, instigator, launcher, mover, power, stimulus, trigger; antecedent, cause, occasion, reason; subagency, subagent

2 the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church <the ranks of the ministry have dwindled considerably in recent years> Synonyms church, cloth, first estate, clergy, spirituality, spiritualtyRelated Words diaconate, episcopate, hierarchy, presbytery; clerkship, monkhood, priesthoodAntonyms laity