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
  • Sister Claudine, the kindly nun who takes Suzanna to visit her mother after her grandfather’s death, is referred to as Sister.
    James Wood, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Interested in Catholic education, O’Keefe-Dunne initially considered pursuing life as a nun, said her sister, Debbie Thompson.
    Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 3 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
  • Real Madrid are at war with each other and are being coached by a novice.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • During the ceremony, Gabi also took part in purification rituals traditionally reserved for novice monks.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • On May 6, 2026, a historic ceremony was held where a robot received the Buddhist precepts from a monk.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026
  • Additionally, the Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh attracted attention in the United States not only with his opposition to the Vietnam War but also with his notion of Engaged Buddhism, which emphasizes improving human life through political activism and everyday acts of mindfulness.
    Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 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
  • But when Niesen presented the plans to the abbot of the monastery, he was met with hesitation.
    Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The abbot of Wat Saman Rattanaram in Chachoengsao province, about 50 miles east of Bangkok, warned that cremation services may have to be suspended.
    Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 22 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abbess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abbess. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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