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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
  • Hill had been sent out for a role in 1987 on the soap Santa Barbara, only to learn upon arrival that the part was a Nicaraguan nun.
    — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 8 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
  • At that time, people overtraded and treated the market like a casino, as novices began participating more frequently.
    — David Capablanca, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • For the novice, wine can be mysterious at best, and intimidating at worst.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • This might make sense for a Buddhist monk pursuing the great unbinding, but not for a random Brooklynite who just wants to be more productive at work.
    — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Part of it is the identical outfits, a look that mixes Olsen twins with sister wives and a dash of Franciscan monk.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Abbess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abbess. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on abbess

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about abbess

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