Example Sentences

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 defrock One exception is former cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was defrocked in 2019 after abuse allegations surfaced. Fredrick Kunkle, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2023 Francis originally set out the norms as a response to the decades of cover-up exposed by a Pennsylvania grand jury report and the scandal over then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was eventually defrocked for abusing adults as well as minors. Nicole Winfield, al, 25 Mar. 2023 None of the priests were defrocked. Monica Scislowska, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2023 Under Ratzinger’s watch as cardinal and pope, the Vatican authorized fast-track administrative procedures to defrock egregious abusers. Nicole Winfield, ajc, 1 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for defrock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defrock
Verb
  • Onganía’s rule lasted only a few years before he was deposed and replaced by another general, and soon the political chaos was matched by economic disruption.
    Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
  • Before Attacking Iran, The IAF Made Syrian Airspace More Accessible Than Ever Before After armed opposition groups in Syria finally deposed the Assad regime in a lightning November-December 2024 offensive, Israel swiftly took action.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Eight days later, in a game relocated to Glendale, Ariz., because of deadly wildfires in Southern California, Darnold was sacked nine times and had two turnovers (including a fumble returned for touchdown) in a 27-9 loss.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • Nix turned the ball over just eight times and was sacked 20 times in those final 13 games.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 17 June 2025

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“Defrock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defrock. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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