as in priests
a person specially trained and authorized to conduct religious services in a Christian church
my cousin was married by his uncle, who is also a deacon in his church
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Recent Examples of deacons
While women cannot be ordained as priests or deacons, they are not forbidden from teaching the faith as theologians, catechists and scholars.
—
Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
At the 1978 Lambeth Conference, Nigerian leadership opposed the recommendation to allow the ordination of women as deacons and priests, though the proposal sparked debate within the church.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
Two thousand people are expected to attend, including numerous religious figures such as bishops, priests and deacons.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Early Christians cited menstruation as the reason for not allowing female deacons or priests.
—Megan Bryson, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2026
Powell’s lawyers also introduced documentation that Lorch, who began coaching the Hawks in 1961, served on Riverside’s board of deacons and board of trustees, as well as several church committees, and that the Hawks’ basketball success was touted multiple times in Riverside’s official newsletter.
—Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Last December, they were ordained to be transitional deacons by Cardinal Robert McElroy, who was then head of the San Diego diocese and is both a controversial and consequential figure in the Catholic church.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
As eight priests, two deacons and the Milwaukee archbishop celebrated Mass at the altar, Grunwaldt skirted the back, quietly keeping the operation running.
—Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 26 Nov. 2025
Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
At the 1978 Lambeth Conference, Nigerian leadership opposed the recommendation to allow the ordination of women as deacons and priests, though the proposal sparked debate within the church.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
Two thousand people are expected to attend, including numerous religious figures such as bishops, priests and deacons.
—Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Early Christians cited menstruation as the reason for not allowing female deacons or priests.
—Megan Bryson, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2026
Powell’s lawyers also introduced documentation that Lorch, who began coaching the Hawks in 1961, served on Riverside’s board of deacons and board of trustees, as well as several church committees, and that the Hawks’ basketball success was touted multiple times in Riverside’s official newsletter.
—Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 20 Jan. 2026
Last December, they were ordained to be transitional deacons by Cardinal Robert McElroy, who was then head of the San Diego diocese and is both a controversial and consequential figure in the Catholic church.
—Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
As eight priests, two deacons and the Milwaukee archbishop celebrated Mass at the altar, Grunwaldt skirted the back, quietly keeping the operation running.
—Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 26 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deacons
Noun
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For a macabre detour from all the warm Mediterranean charm, go down to the underground tomb of Chiesa di San Nicolò, where mummified priests line the crypt walls.—
Anne Olivia Bauso,
Travel + Leisure,
21 May 2026
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Galizia sees the photographs depicting priests as part of an artistic tradition, noting that no one watching a TV drama involving priests believes they are actually played by clergy.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 May 2026
Noun
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In another era, Pratt would have been a welcome edition to the roster of bombastic Southern California preachers a la Aimee Semple McPherson, Chuck Smith and Gene Scott, as well as radio titans such as George Putnam and John Kobylt.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
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During Muharram’s mourning period, Shiʿis gather in assemblies to hear preachers offer sermons, relate the life of Ḥusayn, and recount the events of the Battle of Karbala.—
Charles Preston,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deacons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deacons. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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