CHURCHLY Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

churchly

adjective

ˈchərch-lē

Definition of churchly

as in ecclesiastical

of or relating to a church refused to discuss churchly matters except on Sundays

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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 The music was a churchly choir, the lighting diffused, almost baroque. — Cathy Horyn, The Cut, 15 Feb. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for churchly

Adjective

McQueen juxtaposed religious imagery with the brutality of war, incorporating Don McCullin's photographs of the Vietnam War into garments alongside ecclesiastical tailoring, bumster trousers, and thorn-like headpieces.

— Livia Caligor, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
Any matters requiring legal enforcement are referred directly to the Texas judicial system, said the tribunal, which likened its work to the services provided by Jewish Beth Din courts and Catholic ecclesiastical tribunals.

— David Crary, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of ecclesiastical

Adjective

This will be followed by a final period in Florence to learn the technique and historical evolution of egg tempera, to acquire ancient handweaving skills and expand her knowledge of its applications in the ecclesiastic context.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Back then, Kennedy was constantly fending off accusations from Protestant ecclesiastic types who were wary that his nomination meant the pontiff, John XXIII, was already packing his bags for a move into the White House.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

Definition of ecclesiastic

Adjective

As same-day voters go to the polls for the midterm elections next week, the Supreme Court will hear a major religious liberty case over a Colorado universal preschool program with implications beyond the Centennial State.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026
Reactions could be split along religious lines—and some belief systems may be better equipped to deal with aliens than others, experts say.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of religious

Browse Nearby Words

churchless

churchly

churchman

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“Churchly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churchly. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of churchly

adjective

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