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

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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 clergy Additionally, all clergy, employees and teachers must complete trainings and receive monthly continuing education. Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 Borges’ and Rengel’s arrests inspired a group of Dallas clergy to gather outside the city’s immigration facility to pray for them, said Mara Richards Bim, one of the group’s leaders. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2025 In this world, her father was a member of the clergy, two of her brothers were in the navy, members of her extended family circle lived in the West Indies, one of whom (her brother Charles’s godfather) owned a plantation there. Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025 The sit-in inspired similar ones around North Carolina and a national movement with 700,000 students, clergy members and others fighting for racial equality. Charlotte Observer, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clergy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clergy
Noun
  • Growing up in church, his musical talent was discovered early.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Kate — who is known for recycling outfits, often years apart — debuted the piece during a January 2020 visit to Bradford Town Hall before reusing the coat at the royal family's Christmas church outing in 2022.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • The selection of Bishop McElroy, whose diocese has never been led by a cardinal, sends a message about the pope’s wish for a more liberal orientation for the U.S. episcopate.
    Francis X. Rocca, WSJ, 29 May 2022

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“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clergy. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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