churches

Definition of churchesnext
plural of church
1
as in temples
a building for public worship and especially Christian worship a city that is noted for its many historic churches

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2
as in congregations
a body of persons gathered for religious worship spoke to the whole church at once

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 churches Even so, Bozzo exhorted the community to continue relying on the city and gathering in spaces that felt safer, like churches or city-run events. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 28 May 2026 At the same time, many of the traditional spaces that once fostered social connection and belonging outside of work, such as civic organizations, bowling leagues, churches and community groups, have declined in recent decades, contributing to a more isolated and socially fragmented society. Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 27 May 2026 From churches to synagogues, mosques to grocery stores, extremists have targeted innocent people because of race, religion, ethnicity, or identity. Michael Brunker, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2026 Laws against trespassing already apply to disruptions on the grounds of churches or other private property. Jack Brook, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 The Religion Clauses of the First Amendment ensure churches can decide for themselves, free from state interference, matters of church governance. Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 26 May 2026 The Pontiac Gazette newspaper in Oakland County reported storm damage included apple and peach trees uprooted or twisted, churches destroyed, and cemetery tombstones blown down. Paula Wethington, CBS News, 26 May 2026 From medieval spires that have long defined the skylines of Europe to modern artworks still rising today, the world’s tallest churches reflect centuries of architectural ambition, religious devotion, and engineering ingenuity. Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026 Around that time, Zion Church became one of many churches targeted by the authorities. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for churches
Noun
  • Just south of Amalfi, Cilento offers ancient temples, pristine sands, and the best mozzarella in Italy, yet visiting is a fraction of the cost.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026
  • Asia’s Most photogenic Markets for Travelers Asian craft markets often double as cultural events, drawing artisans, ethnic minority groups and travelers to settings that range from ancient temples to remote mountain villages.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Idaho is home to over 480,000 Latter-day Saints meeting in around 1,300 congregations, according to the church.
    Scott McIntosh, Idaho Statesman, 26 May 2026
  • Eight of out 10 Americans say religious congregations should not support candidates in elections.
    Yonat Shimron, NPR, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • College football’s greatest assets are its fans and cathedrals.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 1 June 2026
  • The result is not the hushed heaviness of many European cathedrals, but something brighter and much more vertical.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Churches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churches. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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