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

Many clergy bitterly opposed the handover of the villages and criticized Pashinyan, who came to power in the South Caucasus nation amid a wave of hopeful, pro-democracy protests that swept Armenia in 2018. — Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2026

Still, there were only eight African Anglican clergy in Kenya by 1920, and the first Kenyan bishops would not be consecrated until 1955. — Stephanie Triplettall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

An influx of new clergy members is stepping into leadership roles at South Florida synagogues ahead of the Jewish New Year. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

Idaho clergy members told the Idaho Statesman this was a complicated, difficult and painful conversation. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026