churches

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

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

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 Pastel greens, pinks, and yellows, terra-cotta roofs, antique churches, and cobblestoned streets showcase colonial architecture shaped by Portuguese and Dutch influences. Aaron Randolph, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025 Kinloch and Sheffield both ran robust campaigns that involved reaching voters through neighborhood canvassing, visits to churches and senior homes, along with billboards and countless ads. Violet Ikonomova, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025 Boko Haram has targeted Christians and churches, as well as Muslims whose beliefs deviate from those of the group. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 According to Moore's office, reports indicate that between 50,000 and 100,000 Christians have been killed and more than 19,000 Christian churches have been attacked or destroyed since 2009. Mariam Khan, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2025 On Sunday, Cuomo visited Black churches in the Bronx. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025 The women are pictured with, or without, veils and against the backdrop of Baroque and modern churches. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025 In various online forums, people are proposing ideas such as reviving bartering systems among neighbors or establishing community gardens in spaces like churches and recreational centers. Ronny Maye, Essence, 31 Oct. 2025 The technology has gained traction in conservative political circles, with some lawmakers expressing interest in using the company’s products at their churches, The Guardian reported. Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for churches
Noun
  • From the facade crafted from hinoki wood, a rare cypress that’s often reserved for Japanese temples and shrines, to impressive cultural programming and exhibitions, there’s always something worth seeing.
    Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Often affiliated with the state and temples, these people were typically royalty, high-level bureaucrats and priests.
    Serdar Yalçin, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The sisters hope the land transfer will serve as a model for Catholic congregations for future reconciliations with tribal nations.
    Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The organization has announced plans to create thousands of new chapters and is cultivating new partnerships with pastors and congregations.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Gothic cathedrals, art deco villas, vintage yellow trams, impeccably dressed signore, bright red Negronis glinting in the sun—these are some of the most classic symbols of Milan, but there’s a whole other side to the city, one that’s contemporary, cosmopolitan, and just plain cool.
    Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
  • There are marching bands performing it and choirs singing it in cathedrals in Europe.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Churches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churches. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on churches

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!