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

In addition to punishing women who seek the priesthood, the Catholic Church has also sanctioned male clergy who support those ordinations. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Advertisement The revolution still to come At the heart of the French Revolution of 1789 was the abolition of the privileges of the aristocracy and clergy. — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Magic needs no congregation, clergy or theology, so believers can adopt it without leaving their church. — Ruiqian Li, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026

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