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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Recent Examples of clergy
For years, Christian clergy who live and work in Jerusalem have reported being frequently spat on, harassed and even physically attacked by Israeli extremists.
—
Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 1 May 2026
Faith in Action, a group of religious leaders and clergy across the country including Miami, filed a brief in support of keeping the protections in place.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Some sources show that the declaration was read in churches and discussed by the clergy.
—Thomas Tweed, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026
Talk to a trusted friend, a clergy person or see a therapist.
—Helen Dennis, Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clergy
Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 1 May 2026
Faith in Action, a group of religious leaders and clergy across the country including Miami, filed a brief in support of keeping the protections in place.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
Some sources show that the declaration was read in churches and discussed by the clergy.
—Thomas Tweed, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026
Talk to a trusted friend, a clergy person or see a therapist.
—Helen Dennis, Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clergy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clergy
Noun
-
The original church is no longer standing, but archaeologists have teamed with members of the current congregation to ensure their history is properly preserved.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
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PragueReuters — An unknown thief snatched an 800-year-old skull believed to be of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk from a display box in a church in the northern Czech Republic and ran away with the relic, police said on Wednesday.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The diaconate represents the Church’s third degree of holy orders, below the presbyterate, or priests, and episcopate, or bishops.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
5 Dec. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clergy. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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