DIACONATE Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

diaconate

noun

Definition of diaconate

as in episcopate

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

laity

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 diaconate Two commissions studying the question of women in the diaconate, keeping discernment alive even without doctrinal change. — Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025 During the liturgical celebration, seminarian William O’Donnell, 25, will be ordained to the transitional diaconate. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025 He was ordained to the diaconate in 1971 and to the priesthood in 1972. — Bryan Marquard, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Sep. 2023 The role of female deacons likely ended in the 12th Century when the diaconate became a steppingstone to the priesthood, Stanton said. — Susan Degrane, chicagotribune.com, 30 Mar. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for diaconate

Noun

The diaconate represents the Church’s third degree of holy orders, below the presbyterate, or priests, and episcopate, or bishops.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
Vatican observers have long speculated that Francis saw Prevost as a potential successor, especially given his rapid rise and central role in shaping the modern episcopate.

— Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

Definition of episcopate

Noun

Casa Carolina Hotel What was originally the presbytery of the Santa Catalina de Alejandría Cathedral is now one of Cartagena's newest boutique hotels, Casa Carolina.

— Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2026
Inside Brixworth Church The choir, or presbytery—the heart of the church—is separated from the nave by a large arch.

— David Nikel, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024

Definition of presbytery

Noun

Jessup and Kendrick are the Emperor and Vader, convinced of their own moral superiority and addicted to playing God and breaking men like horses within a hierarchy that demands unquestioning upwards loyalty above all.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
Guide Attention With Strong Visual Hierarchy Strong visual hierarchy is something AI still struggles with.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of hierarchy

Noun

The patron saint of charitable societies, he is primarily recognized for his charity and compassion for the poor, though he is also known for his reform of the clergy and for his early role in opposing Jansenism.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
In 1832, when a cholera pandemic reached New York City, clergy called for a national day of fasting and prayer.

— Jim Downs, STAT, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of clergy

Browse Nearby Words

diaconal

diaconate

diaconates

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“Diaconate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diaconate. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of diaconate

noun

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