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
  • The nun study, launched in 1990 with 678 members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, is back in focus after a 2025 scientific review reexamined what the project taught researchers about aging and dementia.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • The nun study reshaped how scientists think about Alzheimer’s by showing that brain pathology and cognitive symptoms don’t always line up.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 16 July 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
  • Haaland has become a social media phenomenon, with his own posts and memes from others turning even soccer novices into diehard fans.
    — Kaitlyn Huamani, Fortune, 13 July 2026
  • The last death at San Fermin's bull runs occurred in 2009, but gorings and broken bones are common, partly due to the large number of novice bull runners and foreign tourists who join the experienced locals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • 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
  • Yet his truest education came from the palace sweepers—the humble monk-servants who raised him.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026
Definition of monk
Noun
  • The Rat Queen is Riley Pinkerton, mild-mannered doom priestess and Brooklyn artist, whose musical and visual dreams fuel her band’s raging odyssey.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 29 June 2026
  • Centuries ago, people throughout the Mediterranean region came to consult it via the Pythia or priestess to see what the Greek god Apollo had to say about their future.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 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 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

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 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on abbess

Nglish: Translation of abbess for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about abbess

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