ABBOT Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

abbot

noun

Definition of abbot

as in bishop

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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 abbot 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, 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 The abbot of Wat Saman Rattanaram in Chachoengsao province, about 50 miles east of Bangkok, warned that cremation services may have to be suspended. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abbot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abbot

Noun

Cyprian was executed in 258, becoming the first bishop-martyr of Africa.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Leo lived in Peru as a missionary priest and bishop for over 20 years.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of bishop

Noun

In neighboring Uruguay, where Leo’s visit is expected to energize the Catholic minority in a country that officially celebrates Christmas as Family Day, Cardinal Daniel Sturla, the archbishop of Montevideo, tempered hopes for the historic visit.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
The festival closes with Sam Pollard’s Tutu, a profile of the South African archbishop, anti-Apartheid activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of archbishop

Noun

The doubleheader between the two Catholic universities, dubbed the Eternal City Tip-Off, was created to honor the first American pope, who was not in attendance for the games.

— Andrew Dampf, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
The pope joins the nearly 50 million Americans who have already voted early for Tuesday’s election, according to the early-voter tracker at the University of Florida’s Election Lab.

— Rachel Lerman, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of pope

Noun

In response to a request for comment, Stanford University directed Drilled and ProPublica to former law school dean Paul Brest, who led a committee that reviewed energy research funding at the school.

— Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026
Hahn previously served as the dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona for seven years and worked at the University of Florida for 21 years before that.

— Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of dean

Noun

This would be the case also for an apostate, heretic, schismatic bishop, presbyter, or deacon.

— Fr. Goran Jovicic, National Review, 13 June 2021
Before coming to Birmingham, Webster had served 18 years as executive presbyter of the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca in southern New Mexico.

— Greg Garrison, AL.com, 19 July 2017

Definition of presbyter

Noun

The group was founded in 1970 in Switzerland by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, a French prelate, but five years later was officially suppressed by the Bishop of Fribourg.

— Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
In roughly 33 hours over the course of two days, the diverse group of international prelates elected Prevost on the fourth ballot.

— Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

Definition of prelate

Noun

The first is the strikingly Gothic diocesan throne, which sits in the cathedral choir and dates from the Victorian era.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2026
The diocesan website includes a statement from Dallas Bishop Edward Burns connecting the need for social distancing with the story of the Good Samaritan.

— David Tarrant, Dallas News, 6 Apr. 2020

Definition of diocesan

Noun

Following his passing, those who knew Mateucci have expressed their deep sadness at the accident and spoken highly of the late rector.

— Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026
The Scottsdale Police Department has identified the deceased as Brazilian national Rogério Renato Mateucci, rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, who had traveled to the US for an event at Arizona State University.

— Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of rector

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“Abbot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abbot. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of abbot

noun

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