1
as in temples
a building for public worship and especially Christian worship
a city that is noted for its many historic churches
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in congregations
a body of persons gathered for religious worship
spoke to the whole church at once
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in clergies
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
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Recent Examples of churches
Assemblies of God pastors call for change after churches fail to oust accused abusers.
—
Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Jarvis worked hard to create Mother’s Day, writing letters to churches, politicians, and city leaders, and eventually, a resolution was passed in Congress, dedicating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 7 May 2026
The ranks of nondenominational churches — many of them with evangelical beliefs and independent governance similar to Baptists — have been growing.
—ABC News, 5 May 2026
These unique venues include not only churches and historic buildings, but also cultural and arts centers, landmarks and scenic outdoor spaces.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
He’s also been involved in community service, conducting camps and working with Compassion International, an organization that partners with local churches to fight child poverty.
—Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026
Samaritan Resource Center exists because churches and community partners kept seeing the same people show up at their doors, neighbors asking for help.
—Zeynep Portway, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
Among the Mennonite churches Fisher attended as a boy, musical instruments were rarely used.
—CBS News, 2 May 2026
National headlines report churches seeing an uptick in converts and attendance and trends on social media, especially among younger men.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 7 May 2026
Jarvis worked hard to create Mother’s Day, writing letters to churches, politicians, and city leaders, and eventually, a resolution was passed in Congress, dedicating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
—Finch Walker, USA Today, 7 May 2026
The ranks of nondenominational churches — many of them with evangelical beliefs and independent governance similar to Baptists — have been growing.
—ABC News, 5 May 2026
These unique venues include not only churches and historic buildings, but also cultural and arts centers, landmarks and scenic outdoor spaces.
—Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
He’s also been involved in community service, conducting camps and working with Compassion International, an organization that partners with local churches to fight child poverty.
—Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026
Samaritan Resource Center exists because churches and community partners kept seeing the same people show up at their doors, neighbors asking for help.
—Zeynep Portway, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
Among the Mennonite churches Fisher attended as a boy, musical instruments were rarely used.
—CBS News, 2 May 2026
National headlines report churches seeing an uptick in converts and attendance and trends on social media, especially among younger men.
—Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for churches
Noun
-
Worshipers mark the day by visiting holy sites and temples, the giving of alms and practicing mindfulness and spiritual purity, as noted by the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
-
The scoop neckline adds a flattering touch, and the midi length provides enough coverage for entering temples while still allowing for full freedom of movement.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The decision has left myriad questions for parish leaders and their congregations.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Three congregations — including my own — recently gathered at the 92nd Street Y for Israel’s memorial and independence days.—
Elliot Cosgrove,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Entry is free, and the interior is genuinely stunning — the kind of stop that rewards curiosity even if cathedrals aren’t typically your thing.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
-
On shrill winter nights, Moscow’s power is conspicuous, its Orthodox cathedrals and Stalinist high-rises illuminated, though the view falls dim in the autumn and spring, shrouded in sheets of greige.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Churches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churches. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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