CLERGY Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

clergy

noun

ˈklər-jē

Definition of clergy

as in church

the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church when people find out she's a member of the clergy, they suddenly change their manner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

laity

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 clergy Hundreds of clergy members from across the country flew to Minneapolis to join the protests. — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 Conversations with members of clergy are often privileged and cannot be introduced as evidence against a defendant. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Buddhist clergy quickly responded—opening schools in Hilo and Kona in 1898 and in Honolulu in 1902, and sparking a showdown between leaders of both religions. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 21 Aug. 2026 In 2024, Hamilton was a strong supporter of the decision by the United Methodist Church to allow LGBTQ+ clergy. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clergy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clergy

Noun

The only men were the mayor, the three members of town council, the priest from the Catholic church, Father Michael, and the reverend from the Baptist church, as well as a man with a balding head and a full moustache, his suit pressed and clean.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
On July 28, authorities located a blue Honda Accord registered to Boyce behind a church in Pendleton, North Carolina, according to the complaint.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of church

Noun

The diaconate represents the Church’s third degree of holy orders, below the presbyterate, or priests, and episcopate, or bishops.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
Vatican observers have long speculated that Francis saw Prevost as a potential successor, especially given his rapid rise and central role in shaping the modern episcopate.

— Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

Definition of episcopate

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clergies

clergy

clergyman

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“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clergy. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of clergy

noun

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