Synonyms of church

church

noun

ˈchərch 

1

as in temple

a building for public worship and especially Christian worship

a city that is noted for its many historic churches

Synonyms & Similar Words

• temple
• chapel
• cathedral
• tabernacle
• abbey
• kirk
• mission
• shrine
• synagogue
• mosque
• sanctuary
• minster
• pagoda
• oratory
• meetinghouse
• bethel
• shul

2

as in congregation

a body of persons gathered for religious worship

spoke to the whole church at once

Synonyms & Similar Words

• congregation
• assembly
• parish
• flock
• communion
• denomination
• confession
• laity
• sect
• fold

3

as in clergy

the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church

a time when few young men seem to want to join the church

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clergy
• ministry
• episcopate
• spirituality
• priesthood
• hierarchy
• cloth
• presbytery
• first estate
• spiritualty
• diaconate
• clerkship
• monkhood

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• laity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of church

But other metrics, such as regular weekly church attendance, analyzed by other pollsters don’t show this same uptick. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 14 Aug. 2026

To lessen the risk of detention, Alfonso has changed his daily routine and has stopped going to church or the beach, which used to be his favorite things to do. — Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026

Shorter said the Destination Crenshaw team tore up the streets in front of his church in 2023, which removed parking for his parishioners. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

But by the time of his indictment, Lorch was in failing health and found incompetent to stand trial, and lawsuits against him and the church were dismissed due to statute of limitations issues. — Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2026