CLERICAL Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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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

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Recent Examples of clerical

Adjective

Larijani was replaced by Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, an appointment that reflected the paramountcy of the IRGC over the political or clerical establishments in Iran’s wartime decision-making. —

Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr will replace Ali Larijani, whose death in Israeli strikes last week was a major blow to the ruling clerical regime. —

Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 24 Mar. 2026 Bramzon said Hernandez was never formally added due to clerical mishandlings. —

Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026 People react badly, not to medical AI, not to organizational AI, not even to clerical or personal. —

Kate Aurthur, Variety, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clerical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clerical

Adjective

In each of the 11 countries, a national agency or dedicated ministerial department was set up to implement and track the project, with a coordinating entity, the Pan-African Great Green Wall Agency, based in Mauritania.

— Julie Bourdin, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026
Opponents also object to the city’s review process for the project, which is ministerial, meaning the applicants do not need to seek public input and that review by city staff does not need to include public hearings.

— Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026