CLERGYPERSON Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

clergyperson

noun

ˈklər-jē-ˌpər-sᵊn

Definition of clergyperson

as in priest

a person specially trained and authorized to conduct religious services in a Christian church a clergyperson of your choice would be the best one to advise on this spiritual matter

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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 clergyperson What makes the family tradition sustainable in central Massachusetts, where the Vallelis now live, is a pastor-sharing arrangement between two congregations that couldn’t afford a full-time clergyperson on their own. — G. Jeffrey MacDonald, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clergyperson

Noun

In Natasha Pulley’s kaleidoscopic novel, a Vatican priest returns to the mining town of his youth to confront the cult following behind the eponymous Salt King.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026
Jon asks, suggesting a name and/or laying the groundwork for his priest father to come and bless the child.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 July 2026

Definition of priest

Noun

Such details include McCartney’s bare feet and opposite stride and the other members’ attire (Lennon’s white supposedly represents a clergyman, Starr’s black a mourner, and Harrison’s denim a gravedigger).

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 July 2026
Robin, our hero, is the son of a country clergyman.

— John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026

Definition of clergyman

Noun

One is in the church with the pastor expressing his anger about Lou being gone.

— Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
After spending 266 days in prison, Ezra Jin Mingri, the Christian pastor of the underground Zion Church in Beijing, arrived in the United States on July 5.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026

Definition of pastor

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clergymen

clergyperson

clergypersons

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“Clergyperson.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clergyperson. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of clergyperson

noun

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