Thesaurus results for CLERISY

clerisy

noun

ˈkler-ə-sē

Definition of clerisy

as in intelligentsia

intellectuals considered as a social class a society lacking a well-established clerisy with a strong commitment to democratic ideals

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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 clerisy They are ruled by a grizzled and sclerotic clerisy that funnels resources to its private army, the terrorist Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). — Matthew Continetti, National Review, 24 Sep. 2022 All will be forgiven and forgotten by the clerisy of the moment. — Barton Swaim, WSJ, 18 July 2021 Only those the board licenses are admitted to the clerisy uniquely entitled to publicly discuss engineering. — George Will, Twin Cities, 13 June 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clerisy

Noun

Their careers were marked by the jockeying for power and position endemic to the hothouse world of the Parisian intelligentsia, as well as by shifting allegiances and fallings out.

— Emily Eakin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
With his mother working as a senior official on the Supreme Court and his father as a lawyer, Magyar grew up in the heart of Hungary’s political establishment and intelligentsia.

— Nick Tabor, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026

Definition of intelligentsia

Noun

This weakness was exploited by elite running backs such as Bijan Robinson (Buffalo was upset by the Falcons and gave up 210 rushing yards) and De’Von Achane (the Dolphins gained 197 rushing yards in their second meeting, an upset win).

— Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
As a model professional, Rodri should still have plenty of years to enjoy in the elite.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of elite

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clerihews

clerisy

clerk

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“Clerisy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clerisy. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of clerisy

noun

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