as in ministerial
of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy
clerical duties such as providing spiritual counseling and leading Bible study classes
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clerical
Roya Boroumand, Time, 9 July 2025
Her dad worked at a paper mill and often took a second job to save extra money; her mom did clerical work and also worked for a local government office.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
Trump's statement came as new explosions were heard in the Iranian capital and Vice President JD Vance suggested the U.S. military could get involved if Iran's clerical leadership refuses to give up its nuclear enrichment program.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Now, different South Carolina officials and agencies are pointing fingers at each other over what appear to have been two clerical errors that led to gaps in Dickey's record.
—Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clerical
Adjective
Only a credible political opening—backed by conditions, pressure, and robust support for Iranians—can erode the foundations of clerical rule.
—Roya Boroumand, Time, 9 July 2025
Her dad worked at a paper mill and often took a second job to save extra money; her mom did clerical work and also worked for a local government office.
—Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 3 July 2025
Trump's statement came as new explosions were heard in the Iranian capital and Vice President JD Vance suggested the U.S. military could get involved if Iran's clerical leadership refuses to give up its nuclear enrichment program.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 June 2025
Now, different South Carolina officials and agencies are pointing fingers at each other over what appear to have been two clerical errors that led to gaps in Dickey's record.
—Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clerical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clerical
Adjective
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Despite teaching secular subjects, the court deemed his role sufficiently religious to fall under the ministerial exception, barring his discrimination claim under the 1964 Civil Rights Act.—
A.J. Schumann,
Sun Sentinel,
6 July 2025
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Swaggart ultimately rejected the harsher penalty and was stripped of his ministerial credentials.—
Frank E. Lockwood,
Arkansas Online,
1 July 2025
Noun
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And, over time, fewer new European priests arrived in Kongo, making translation less necessary.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
12 July 2025
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One particular enemy of Gauguin’s was Bishop Martin, a Catholic priest on Hiva Oa who did his best to stomp out local custom, forbidding tattooing, Polynesian dancing, and the customary practice of polyandry.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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The book was a fascinating read, with each chapter focusing on Graham’s unique access and relationship with each president, talking about the different spiritual pastoral counsel the minister would give.—
Stephen Mitchell,
Baltimore Sun,
14 July 2025
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Inspired by the property’s lush surroundings, Moss used warm plaids, subdued florals, and wooden furniture, plus accents like rattan sconces and pastoral paintings that complement the gorgeous views from every window.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Unexpectedly, he's been taking it upon himself to continue quoting verses, stepping into the role of a preacher.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
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By my rough count, more than a dozen colleges and universities had their beginnings on or near the Great Wagon Road, simple affairs typically begun by Presbyterian preachers who maintained that Christian education was next to godliness.—
James Dodson
July 7,
Literary Hub,
7 July 2025
Noun
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Iran has employed Al-Mustafa academic and cultural centers in over 30 African countries to train clerics and religious leaders.—
Paul Tilsley,
FOXNews.com,
27 July 2025
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By the 2000s, with the rise of a new cadre of clerics into the ranks of leadership, the existence of Jewish Iranians inside the country became an important symbol, especially in contrast with the absence of Jewish life in other Muslim countries in the region.—
Roya Hakakian,
The Atlantic,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clerical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clerical. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
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