abbess

noun

Definition of abbessnext
as in prioress

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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 That makes the abbess a likely candidate for the author of the inscription and marginal doodles. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for abbess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abbess
  1. prioress
  2. nun
  3. anchoress
  4. novice
  5. monk
  6. priestess
  7. religious
  8. abbot
Noun
  • The slow-burn thriller is partially based on a 17th century ballad in which the heroic outlaw’s cousin, a malevolent prioress, bleeds the older, ailing Robin to death under the guise of the ancient medical treatment known as bloodletting.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026
  • After Robin is gravely injured, he is taken in by the sage prioress Brigid (Jodie Comer), who nurses him back to health at an island convent.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 June 2026
Definition of prioress
Noun
  • But points must be taken off for thinking a lesbian nun would only have gotten laid as a layperson.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Tenzin, born Barbara Emi, spent years as a Buddhist nun, studying under the Dalai Lama.
    — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of nun
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
Definition of anchoress
Noun
  • To a novice taster, sipping out of a plastic Mets carafe, the wine smelled like dry grass and very ripe blackberries.
    — Arthur Holland Michel, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The sizable number of offerings in every box can help bean novices get acquainted with new products and strengthen their bond with favorites.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • Seekers, meanwhile, runs to six parts and follows the human experience through the eyes of an Amazonian chief, an Advaita monk, an African healer, a Hindu sage, a Native grandmother and a Buddhist psychologist.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Brazilian artist and former Carmelite monk Rodrigo Cassdied at 43 in a fatal accident yesterday on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, his gallery Fortes D’Aloia & Gabriel stated on social media.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of monk
Noun
  • The oracle was a priestess who entered a trance state to convey answers from Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy.
    — Ambuj Tewari, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The episode explores the story of Madame LaLaurie (Kathy Bates), her cruel actions, and what voodoo priestess Marie Laveau (Angela Bassett) did to her.
    — Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of priestess
Noun
  • As a young religious, Bishop-elect Lombardo did missionary work in Bolivia and Honduras.
    — Laura Rodríguez Presa, chicagotribune.com, 11 Sep. 2020
Definition of religious
Noun
  • The abbot eventually suspended the monk from his clerical duties a few months ago and the pair’s relationship worsened, per the outlet.
    — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of abbot

Browse Nearby Words

abbés
abbess
abbesses
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Cite this Entry

“Abbess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abbess. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on abbess

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about abbess

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