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

Ugboaja was released later the same day after intervention from members of Texas’ congressional delegation and public outcry over the detention of a nun wearing her habit on her way to worship.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Parish officials posting on social media brought attention to Ugboaja’s arrest, and Congress members ultimately intervened on the nun’s behalf.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026

Definition of nun

Noun

The best rock tumbler for beginners is one that comes as a complete kit, including the rocks, so the novice has the best chance of being successful on the first try.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
While El-Sayed was ahead in many polls over Stevens, including a recent survey conducted by Emerson College, the Democratic novice is trailing in some polling against Rogers, which the GOP nominee sees as advantageous.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of novice

Noun

Apps such as Headspace, Calm and Plum Village – inspired by the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh – are helping people build a steady practice, reduce stress and improve sleep.

— Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
Ryushin, the Buddhist monk at the center of Crows Are White was keeping his identity private until completing his monastic training.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 July 2026

Definition of monk

Noun

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
My own outlook changed after a priestess told me to keep an altar to bring offerings to my ancestors.

— Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 28 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of abbess

noun

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