Synonyms of clerical

clerical 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkler-i-kəl 

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

• ministerial
• pastoral
• priestly
• sacerdotal
• ecclesiastical
• missionary
• ecclesiastic
• clerkly
• religious
• evangelical
• episcopal
• apostolic
• papal
• diocesan
• divine
• pontifical
• monastic
• patriarchal
• churchly
• canonical
• sacramental
• diaconal
• conventual
• rabbinic
• mendicant
• holy
• caliphal
• monachal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• secular
• lay
• temporal
• nonclerical

clerical

2 of 2

noun

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

• priest
• preacher
• cleric
• clergyman
• bishop
• deacon
• minister
• ecclesiastic
• reverend
• pastor
• clerk
• prelate
• chaplain
• divine
• clergyperson
• dominie
• father
• pope
• priestess
• archbishop
• missionary
• monk
• diocesan
• churchman
• abbot
• rector
• dean
• deaconess
• religious
• vicar
• presbyter
• padre
• parson
• curé
• abbé
• monastic
• friar
• confessor
• monsignor
• shepherd
• evangelist
• Holy Joe
• curate
• missioner
• clergywoman
• mendicant
• archpriest
• revivalist
• sky pilot
• oblate
• high priestess
• high priest
• missionizer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• layman
• secular
• layperson
• lay reader
• lector

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of clerical

Adjective

If factories closed and clerical work was automated, a college degree would serve as insurance. — Alex Press, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2026

Bryce Eldridge was originally listed as the first baseman, a clerical error according to manager Tony Vitello, and perhaps the 6-foot-7 rookie would’ve had a better shot at making the pick. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026

The best family offices do not treat trust administration as clerical work. — Michael Gold Cfp, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Critics of Iran's clerical rulers hoped initially that Iran's government would collapse amid a bombing campaign that killed Iran's most senior military and religious officials, including its supreme leader. — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026