1
as in temples
a building for public worship and especially Christian worship
a city that is noted for its many historic churches
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in congregations
a body of persons gathered for religious worship
spoke to the whole church at once
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in clergies
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of churches
In one of the largest mass abductions targeting religious worship centers in the West African nation in recent months, the attackers on Sunday raided three different churches in Kaduna state's Kajuru council area, seizing 177 people before 11 managed to escape.
—
Arkansas Online, 23 Jan. 2026
The sun won’t rise before seven thirty, Camilla thought, as her gaze drifted bitterly over the nearby rooftops and domed churches in the distance.
—Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Standridge believes nonprofits and churches could provide funding instead and existing service provider employees could take on the liaison role.
—Maddy Keyes, The Frontier, 22 Jan. 2026
Seeped in history, Messinia is rich with classical temples, Byzantine churches, and craggy medieval castles (a stomp up to the ruins at Pylos is a must, for the breathtaking 360-degree views).
—Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Many Baptist churches have pastors who also work other jobs.
—Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Other churches also became key gathering places, including Rush Memorial Congregational Church and West Hunter Street Baptist Church, which supported students involved in the Atlanta Student Movement and hosted meetings during tense moments in the fight for desegregation.
—Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Schools, churches, other services This story will be updated.
—Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 22 Jan. 2026
The parade features bands, floats, drill teams, colleges and universities, fraternities, sororities and churches along with peace and youth organizations.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
Arkansas Online, 23 Jan. 2026
The sun won’t rise before seven thirty, Camilla thought, as her gaze drifted bitterly over the nearby rooftops and domed churches in the distance.
—Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
Standridge believes nonprofits and churches could provide funding instead and existing service provider employees could take on the liaison role.
—Maddy Keyes, The Frontier, 22 Jan. 2026
Seeped in history, Messinia is rich with classical temples, Byzantine churches, and craggy medieval castles (a stomp up to the ruins at Pylos is a must, for the breathtaking 360-degree views).
—Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Many Baptist churches have pastors who also work other jobs.
—Alanna Durkin Richer, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026
Other churches also became key gathering places, including Rush Memorial Congregational Church and West Hunter Street Baptist Church, which supported students involved in the Atlanta Student Movement and hosted meetings during tense moments in the fight for desegregation.
—Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Schools, churches, other services This story will be updated.
—Cheyenne Derksen, Oklahoman, 22 Jan. 2026
The parade features bands, floats, drill teams, colleges and universities, fraternities, sororities and churches along with peace and youth organizations.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for churches
Noun
-
In Kyoto, tranquil temples and classic tea houses reveal a more traditional side of Japan.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The trio also offers a range of travel styles, such as chasing eclipses from Arctic and Mediterranean cruise ships in 2026, photographing the eclipsed sun above ancient temples in 2027, and combining stargazing and Outback road trips in 2028.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
To get assistance regarding the many aspects of closing a synagogue, the Congregation Bene Shalom Board worked with the Jewish Community Legacy Project, which offers support to small Jewish congregations.—
Myrna Petlicki,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
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At the same time, many progressive church leaders, facing dwindling congregations and general public apathy, have become more careful about appearing partisan in any way, which has allowed right-wing Christian nationalism to define the conversation about religion and politics.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Carved from porous tufa stone once covered by the sea, the four wine cathedrals are considered an engineering marvel.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
17 Jan. 2026
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Gothic architecture, on the other hand, focused on height and light; despite being constructed from heavy stone, Gothic cathedrals seem to defy the laws of gravity.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Architectural Digest,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Churches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churches. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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