church

noun

ˈchərch How to pronounce church (audio)
Definition of churchnext
1
as in temple
a building for public worship and especially Christian worship a city that is noted for its many historic churches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in congregation
a body of persons gathered for religious worship spoke to the whole church at once

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in clergy
the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church a time when few young men seem to want to join the church

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 church In South Carolina and Utah, recent outbreaks have been linked to low vaccination rates among conservative religious groups that are not connected with Mennonite churches. — Kathryn H. Jacobsen, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026 The question is, can church choirs be revived; can these voices sing again? — Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 The suit, filed last year by Cindy Clemishire and her father, claimed that Gateway Church’s founder Robert Morris and other church leaders defamed Clemishire in an internal statement to staff. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026 In the end the storybook house got its Christmas debut, with neighboring church bells, sheep, and a nativity scene for revelers. — Laura Regensdorf, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for church
Recent Examples of Synonyms for church
  1. temple
  2. congregation
  3. clergy
  4. chapel
  5. cathedral
  6. tabernacle
Noun
  • There was no mosque in Mancelona, and Mymonie and Sam found kinship in the Masonic temple.
    — Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
  • An island that is often pigeonholed to infinity pools and rice-paddy views, the tropical destination is also home to working rice terraces still farmed by hand, daily temple offerings, and craft traditions passed down over generations.
    — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of temple
Noun
  • The developers struck a deal with the church to buy part of its land, which the congregation voted to approve in 2021.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
  • American Christians have likely heard both Christian nationalist and anti-Christian nationalist messages through their congregations, media and social networks.
    — Paul Djupe, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of congregation
Noun
  • Buddhist clergy quickly responded—opening schools in Hilo and Kona in 1898 and in Honolulu in 1902, and sparking a showdown between leaders of both religions.
    — H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Goffin, who’s also the New Chicago police chief, said the clergy also wanted answers from NIPSCO about allegations raised in social media posts.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of clergy
Noun
  • It is held outside the spa in the resort’s onsite wooden chapel where the acoustics are fantastic.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Just 12 hours later, Kelsey and Dakota went ahead with their plans to tie the knot — only, the ceremony took place at the hospital instead of the wedding chapel.
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of chapel
Noun
  • Enclosed by a network of 13th-century walls, the narrow streets of old York host myriad awe-inspiring relics from its pre-industrial past, perhaps the most famous being York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals anywhere.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The fire was catastrophic, but the heat stopped short of the full depth, even in vaults – the arched stone ceilings of the cathedral – only about 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 centimeters) thick.
    — Giorgia Giardina, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of cathedral
Noun
  • Built in 1892, the gospel tabernacle once was home to the Grand Ole Opry radio show from 1943 to 1974.
    — USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • In the corner of one of Amsterdam's most elegant 17th-century canal houses, a cheetah leaps from an antique tabernacle.
    — Karen Burshtein, Time, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of tabernacle

Browse Nearby Words

chunters
church
churches
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Cite this Entry

“Church.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/church. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on church

Nglish: Translation of church for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about church

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