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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The Madison Diocese concluded an investigation into clergy abuse in 2019, and released the names of seven men.
—
Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Now there are, of course, there's something called a parsonage exception where members of the clergy in the United States can exclude the value of their dwelling, but there's rules that go around with that.
—Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The school offers two-year masters degrees for prospective clergy in several Christian denominations, including Reformed and Presbyterian churches.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Some clergy who have been exposed to these medicines in the past few years are advocating their use for gaining mystical insights.
—Pardis Mahdavi, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clergy
Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Now there are, of course, there's something called a parsonage exception where members of the clergy in the United States can exclude the value of their dwelling, but there's rules that go around with that.
—Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The school offers two-year masters degrees for prospective clergy in several Christian denominations, including Reformed and Presbyterian churches.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Some clergy who have been exposed to these medicines in the past few years are advocating their use for gaining mystical insights.
—Pardis Mahdavi, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clergy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clergy
Noun
-
Roberson, leader of the church since 2023, has also opened the doors of the Cathedral from Monday-Saturday for tours, prayers or anyone walking by who needs a quick respite from the Miami heat.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
-
One recent Sunday evening, about 200 filled a Cincinnati church where preachers from several faith backgrounds urged them to demand his freedom.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
10 Sep. 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
Cite this Entry
“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clergy. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share