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 churchly That theme, explored with light wit and deep humanity, makes this unabashedly churchly novel strikingly relevant to our conflicted political era. Washington Post, 3 May 2022 The singer and rapper’s weary tales arrive with churchly trills, nu-metal groans, quiet-storm beats, and zero concern for coolness. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 14 Dec. 2021 Besides, the current Francis seems revolutionary enough for an era of ecological crisis, humanitarian disaster, and churchly scandal, especially since Wenders has the pope on camera directly sharing his thoughts with the audience. Ty Burr, BostonGlobe.com, 16 May 2018 Black leather Versace motorcycle jackets sport jeweled crucifixes inspired by Byzantine mosaics, blending edgy coolness with churchly devotion. Rhonda Garelick, The Cut, 10 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for churchly
Adjective
  • Her historic appointment—a first in the 1,400 years since Saint Augustine founded the diocese after landing in England—will fuel the long-running debate not only in the Anglican church, but also other Christian churches, about the ecclesiastical role of women.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Pretty quickly, this pay-to-pray arrangement gave way to a less ecclesiastical approach.
    D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Forbidden passion fueled the plot of The Thorn Birds in which the late Richard Chamberlain, played the priest Ralph de Bricassart, a heartthrob in ecclesiastic wear.
    Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025
  • America has no aristocracy or ecclesiastic master class.
    Brian T. Allen, National Review, 12 Feb. 2022
Adjective
  • The process refers to soldiers who won’t fight on the basis of moral or religious grounds.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Some religious schools offer discounts to families who are part of the church connected with the school.
    Rachel Wegner, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Churchly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churchly. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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!