Synonyms of clergy

clergy

noun

ˈklər-jē 

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

• church
• episcopate
• priesthood
• spirituality
• ministry
• hierarchy
• cloth
• spiritualty
• first estate
• presbytery
• diaconate
• clerkship
• monkhood

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• laity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of clergy

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin told Italian media on Tuesday that Catholic clergy are all praying for the pope’s good health. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

No Kings protagonist, including and especially members of the clergy, is a saint, and Michael and Olivia are no exceptions. — Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026

The scenes in Paris and Lourdes have visibly inspired Pope Leo and clergy across France. — Chris Livesay, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, local Church leaders hope the pope's visit will repair the Church's standing after a crushing 2021 report found that some 330,000 French children had been abused by Catholic clergy and lay leaders over seven decades. — Joshua McElwee, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026