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
  • When Nkrumah was deposed, all these films were destroyed by his successors, who wanted to erase all evidence of his rule.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 7 Sep. 2025
  • At the time, the president’s lawyers reportedly pushed for Murdoch to be deposed within 15 days due to his age.
    Martina Di Licosa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Two days after that, Bayer Leverkusen sacked Erik ten Hag.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • His parting vision of her funeral pyre both recalls and anticipates the devastated city of Carthage, sacked by Rome.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defrock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defrock. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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