as in ministerial
of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy
clerical duties such as providing spiritual counseling and leading Bible study classes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in priest
a person specially trained and authorized to conduct religious services in a Christian church
some of the state's most prominent clericals have spoken out against the measure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clerical
J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2025
The board, then majority Democrat, dismissed his challenges, concluding that voters had followed the rules in place at the time and that much of the missing information reflected administrative or clerical errors.
—Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 16 May 2025
Francis and Pope Benedict XVI took steps to end decades of abuse and cover-ups, changing church laws to punish abusers and their clerical superiors who hid their wrongdoing.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
Every cardinal and anyone else involved in the sealed conclave—there are a small number of cooks, medical staff, and clerical support locked in with the electors—takes a vow of secrecy never to talk about what happened without a pope’s permission.
— Made By History, Time, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clerical
Adjective
Kemet Coleman, 38, remembers spending time in his father’s office as a child, helping with clerical work and witnessing the deep gratitude of the people his father helped.
—J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2025
The board, then majority Democrat, dismissed his challenges, concluding that voters had followed the rules in place at the time and that much of the missing information reflected administrative or clerical errors.
—Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 16 May 2025
Francis and Pope Benedict XVI took steps to end decades of abuse and cover-ups, changing church laws to punish abusers and their clerical superiors who hid their wrongdoing.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
Every cardinal and anyone else involved in the sealed conclave—there are a small number of cooks, medical staff, and clerical support locked in with the electors—takes a vow of secrecy never to talk about what happened without a pope’s permission.
— Made By History, Time, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clerical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clerical
Adjective
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The opening of federal work following the Civil Rights Movement provided an alternative to manual labor, teaching or ministerial work in the form of white-collar jobs and skills training that many took into private sector jobs.—
J. David McSwane,
ProPublica,
4 June 2025
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The Honorable Minister of Information Mohammed Idris addresses the media at the Ministry of Information & National Orientation's ministerial press briefing, on May 16, 2025.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
Noun
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But as the abuse scandal spread globally during Francis’ 12-year pontificate, the commission lost its influence and its crowning recommendation — the creation of a tribunal to judge bishops who covered up for predator priests — went nowhere.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
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That’s despite the full commitment of Dan Stevens as real-life priest Joseph Steiger.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The place just seems to be a charming pastoral town inhabited entirely by stunt people in tactical gear and mountain wear.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2025
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Its rolling pastoral landscape looks like something out of a painting and while the vibe is super chill, there’s also some world-class culinary options on Lopez.—
Leslie Kelly,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Noun
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Some of the preachers, like Oral Roberts, were Pentecostal preachers who found their way on television to bring the movement out of tents and into the mainstream world.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
12 June 2025
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From a 90-year-old man finding the courage to come out to a former Baptist preacher revealing his authentic identity at 53, journalist Charles M. Blow uncovered the touching stories of everyday Americans who are embracing their true selves later in life.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Sullivan’s abduction comes two months after renowned Islamic cleric Muhsin Hendricks was shot dead by armed men in Bethelsdorp, also in the Eastern Cape province.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
16 Apr. 2025
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While Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reluctantly approved the negotiations, hardline clerics loyal to him are speaking out forcefully against the decision.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clerical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clerical. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
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