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 Mayor Greg Bozzo has led several events with the city’s police chief at predominantly Spanish-speaking churches and community groups affirming that Gilroy city officials and law enforcement would not collaborate with immigration enforcement. — Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 One is in the church with the pastor expressing his anger about Lou being gone. — Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026 Pulling up to the Luhh Dyl show at Gramercy Theatre in Manhattan was a lot like going to church. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 31 July 2026 In fact, the conversation with those churches became cleaner. — Brandon Ramos, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for church

Recent Examples of Synonyms for church

Noun

Above the isolators, transfer girders measuring approximately 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide encase the original temple footings, merging the historic and modern foundation systems.

— William Jones, USA Today, 30 July 2026
In his time on the Coast several Buddhist temples and retreat centers had sprung up near and around his property.

— Patrick Comiskey, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of temple

Noun

Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice is a nonprofit organization that works with congregations throughout Southern California to support workers’ rights.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice is a nonprofit organization that works with congregations throughout Southern California to support workers' rights.

— CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Definition of congregation

Noun

Other celebrities have provided support for Wells' family, including filmmaker Spike Lee and former NFL player Terrell Owens, along with many prominent Black clergy members.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Idaho clergy members told the Idaho Statesman this was a complicated, difficult and painful conversation.

— Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026

Definition of clergy

Noun

At the bottom of the road, a small chapel, offering Sunday school and a version of order.

— Lee Clayton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
The colossal balete next to the chapel and barangay hall appeared to lean closer to the site of the capture, the shivering of leaves and roots and branches registering in the air as vague applause.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of chapel

Noun

They have been launched from mountains, riverbanks, bridges, medieval ramparts, cathedrals.

— Paige Williams, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Due to the large amount of people expected to attend Hansard’s funeral and the limited seating at the venue, a public address system will be placed outside the cathedral.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026

Definition of cathedral

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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of church

noun

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