CHURCH Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

church

noun

ˈchərch

Definition of church

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

Relevance

as in congregation

a body of persons gathered for religious worship spoke to the whole church at once

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

laity

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 church The event kicks off with a church service and there will be a Viking living history exhibit along the river, Cleveland said. — Annie Alleman, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 During this week in New York, the Mattic family turns to the church. — Nicole Avery Nichols, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026 In the early hours of September 16, Hidalgo summoned the people of Dolores by ringing the church bell of his parish. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026 If only the church bells would stop ringing even though their pull chains have been locked away for years. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for church

Recent Examples of Synonyms for church

Noun

This transforms Huston into a colorful enchantress with her grim lair now becoming a lush Greek-like temple.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Someone who already owns a comfortable pair can often find those numbers printed inside the temple arm.

— Emma Clapp, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of temple

Noun

Cue an increasingly fraught war of words — and, eventually and inevitably, other very American weapons — in the congregation, with even the good preacher tiring of turning the other cheek.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026
Montilus said many Haitian members of her congregation, legal or not, are afraid to leave their homes for church.

— Nathan Lee, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of congregation

Noun

Mosser noted that those charged have come from all walks of life, including law enforcement officers, clergy and business leaders.

— Susan Sarkauskas, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026
Among the mourners and dozens of clergy at Trinity Cathedral in midtown Sacramento on Thursday was a man who met Jerry Lamb just once but whose life the late bishop touched.

— Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of clergy

Noun

In addition to its numerous houses, the property plays host to a number of unique amenities, including a treehouse, a pond, a chapel, a crypt where Sheeran plans to be buried, and a private pub.

— Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026
Almost every small chapel on the island has its own patron saint, and every saint's feast day is celebrated with a panigiri, a traditional village festival.

— Chadner Navarro, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of chapel

Noun

Originally a Byzantine cathedral before becoming an Ottoman mosque and now an active place of worship once more, its vast marble interior, soaring dome and shimmering gold mosaics still inspire awe nearly 1,500 years after it was built.

— Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026
Inside the cathedral’s nave, the mummified hand of St Stephen, displayed in an ornate replica of the building, was a fascinating discovery.

— Lucy Handley, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of cathedral

Noun

Those who make the pilgrimage to Temple Square will encounter a host of other attractions and activities, including new exhibits, live concerts and video projections on the ceiling of the tabernacle.

— Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Built in 1892, the gospel tabernacle once was home to the Grand Ole Opry radio show from 1943 to 1974.

— USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026

Definition of tabernacle

Browse Nearby Words

chunters

church

churches

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Church.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/church. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of church

noun

Example Sentences

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