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

The Zaporizhyan ecclesiastical design belonged to the Middle Dnieper architectural school and was built with wooden pegs instead of nails, using oak from a fortress.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
An East Texas federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in June, ruling that a First Amendment protection known as the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine applied to the church.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 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

Daurawa said all the couples had undergone screening and counseling before the ceremony and that all religious and legal requirements had been fulfilled.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
The city today is excluded from hosting hundreds of religious, political, labor, sports and industry events each year due to lack of hotel beds.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of religious

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churchless

churchly

churchman

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“Churchly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churchly. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of churchly

adjective

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