abbess

Definition of abbessnext

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 abbess The 12th-century abbess, composer, philosopher, and visionary becomes a thrilling subject when backed by modular synths, Ukrainian folk singing, and high medieval music. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 30 May 2025 When the abbess died in 866, she was buried in the abbey church. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024 Groff imagined the poet Marie de France as a teenager forced to venture into the dark woods to serve as the abbess. Ron Charles, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2023 One of them was the abbess of a female religious community in Kent from around 733 to 761 CE, which is consistent with the dating of MS Selden Supra 30. Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for abbess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abbess
Noun
  • Marie, who becomes the prioress of the abbey at 17, begins a rise to power — or as much power as a woman is permitted — using her fellow nuns to fight off political and violent incursions.
    Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Matrix by Lauren Groff Currents of violence and devotion coalesce around Marie de France, a 17-year-old sent to be the new prioress of a 12th-century English abbey.
    Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Like the nun Beate before her, Susanna seems destined, as punishment for her overwhelming ardor, to be walled into the convent.
    Caroline Lillian Schopp, Artforum, 13 May 2026
  • There was an assault on a nun in Jerusalem.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • In the medieval church, women’s roles were limited – usually some form of enclosure and celibacy, such as becoming an anchoress walled up alone for life, or a nun in a classic convent.
    Joelle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Louise, a former anchoress, is her humble, tyrannical maid.
    Hervé Guibert, Harper's Magazine, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • And a new feature called side-slip control enabled even novice drivers to slide through corners like Ken Block.
    Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 28 May 2026
  • To make the process even easier for novices, the M2 leverages AI to detect the type of materials inserted and automatically adjust the settings for cutting, engraving, or just scoring to make thinner materials easier to flex and fold.
    Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • Hosted by global best-selling author, award-winning storyteller, former monk and Chief Purpose Officer of Calm Jay Shetty, On Purpose With Jay Shetty brings fascinating conversations with some of the most insightful people in the world, with the mission to help others find purpose.
    Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • The work draws on earlier sources, including the 7th-century text Records of the Western Regions, which documents the travels of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang during his 16-year journey to India in search of sacred texts.
    Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • The priestess worked only during days in which Apollo was believed to be present at Delphi to channel his wisdom to the Pythia.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Jump to Answer In Sinners, Wunmi Mosaku’s character, Annie, is the resident priestess.
    Craigh Barboza, HollywoodReporter, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • As a young religious, Bishop-elect Lombardo did missionary work in Bolivia and Honduras.
    Laura Rodríguez Presa, chicagotribune.com, 11 Sep. 2020
Noun
  • The court found that Shi used his positions, including as the temple abbot, to illegally embezzle more than $19 million alone or in conspiracy with others, between 2003 and 2025, CCTV reported.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026
  • According to a relative of Nathan who provided some of the sources Amit studied, the abbot reportedly also wrote letters to the Vatican and to monasteries in Switzerland pleading for a safe exit for Wolfgang.
    Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abbess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abbess. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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