clericalism
noun
cler·i·cal·ism
ˈkler-i-kə-ˌli-zəm 
ˈkle-ri-
: a policy of maintaining or increasing the power of a religious hierarchy
Examples of clericalism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Once again clericalism triumphed.
—
The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 Nov. 2020
Voltaire failed to understand the plight of provincial Catholics; Weinberger would doubtless take him to task for a gentlemanly anti-clericalism.
—Russell Jacoby, Harper’s Magazine , 16 Feb. 2023
Along the way, the office sorted labor into novel categories: pedantic clericalism, bureaucratic management, executive power.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 6 July 2022
And it’s not just what is known as clericalism that is the problem.
—Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review, 16 Nov. 2020
Failing to properly investigate rumors about McCarrick was a sign of both incompetence and clericalism.
—The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 Nov. 2020
This is a sign that clericalism was at work as much as incompetence.
—The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 Nov. 2020
Pope Francis, who ordered the report in 2018, has frequently attributed the crisis to clericalism, a systemic abuse of power and the unhealthy pursuit of authority within the church’s hierarchy.
—Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2020
Fortuyn carried the torch of the Dutch tradition of anti-clericalism.
—chicagotribune.com, 20 Mar. 2018
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The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 Nov. 2020
Voltaire failed to understand the plight of provincial Catholics; Weinberger would doubtless take him to task for a gentlemanly anti-clericalism.
—Russell Jacoby, Harper’s Magazine , 16 Feb. 2023
Along the way, the office sorted labor into novel categories: pedantic clericalism, bureaucratic management, executive power.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 6 July 2022
And it’s not just what is known as clericalism that is the problem.
—Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review, 16 Nov. 2020
Failing to properly investigate rumors about McCarrick was a sign of both incompetence and clericalism.
—The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 Nov. 2020
This is a sign that clericalism was at work as much as incompetence.
—The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 Nov. 2020
Pope Francis, who ordered the report in 2018, has frequently attributed the crisis to clericalism, a systemic abuse of power and the unhealthy pursuit of authority within the church’s hierarchy.
—Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2020
Fortuyn carried the torch of the Dutch tradition of anti-clericalism.
—chicagotribune.com, 20 Mar. 2018
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clericalism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1864, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near clericalism
Cite this Entry
“Clericalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clericalism. Accessed 2 Oct. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on clericalism
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clericalism
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