cleric

noun

cler·​ic ˈkler-ik 

ˈkle-rik

: a member of the clergy

Synonyms of cleric

• priest
• preacher

Examples of cleric in a Sentence

clerics were sharply divided on the issue of whether the war was morally justified

Recent Examples on the Web

Oddly enough, Iran and Afghanistan, both ruled by clerics, are the only countries in the world that still regularly stage public executions. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026

The lawmaker, Hamid Rasaei, a cleric who has regularly lashed out at Iran’s negotiating team, is a member of the ultra-hard-line political party Paydari. — Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Yes, those of us who are both excited and nervous about the promise of AI welcome the prospect of kings and clerics and populist politicians alike standing up to the tech lords — who, frankly, could use some perspectives other than their own. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Also figuring prominently in the proceedings is the cleric’s acolyte Alyce (Thomasin McKenzie, Jojo Rabbit), a fictional character representing the many women who took part in the movement. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin clericus

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cleric

• derrick
• eric
• ferric
• steric
• xeric
• allosteric
• amphoteric
• anomeric
• atmospheric
• chromospheric
• climacteric
• congeneric

Kids Definition

cleric

noun

cler·​ic ˈkler-ik 

: a member of the clergy