ABBESS Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

abbess

noun

Definition of abbess

as in prioress

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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

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

She was named by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living person last year, after Brazilian nun Inah Canabarro Lucas died at the age of 116.

— Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
On this special night, a nun threw out the first pitch, the fans donned pope hats and Sox home-run hitters paraded down the dugout in pope hats.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of nun

Noun

The novice senator is beginning her sixth week on the job, having been appointed to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's seat two days after his sudden death on July 11.

— Sophia Vlahakis, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
An aurora photographer who spoke to National Geographic offered tips for novices trying to take photos of the phenomenon, including would-be photographers who only have access to a smartphone camera.

— Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

Reverend Adachi appeared to give us an introduction, in Japanese and English, to a day in the life of a training monk.

— Pico Iyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026
The monk-to-entrepreneur pipeline has shocked some of his fans and followers who say making $21 million a year is antithetical to a monk lifestyle.

— Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of monk

Noun

Additionally, costume designer Charlese Antoinette Jones, who is also a Mauritian priestess, brought her expert-level knowledge of color and the spiritual culture to the costumes and set.

— Dominique Fluker, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Women and girls in all corners of this world are accustomed to, and even expect, danger, including the priestess of Athena (Zendaya) whom Odysseus’ men behead during their sack of Troy.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026

Definition of priestess

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

Definition of abbot

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“Abbess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abbess. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of abbess

noun

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