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

Depending on the club, the hierarchies are still clear, and there might be little overlap between those positions.

— Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Naked mole rat colonies have a hierarchy that loosely aligns with body size, where only the largest females have a shot at becoming queen—and only the queen reproduces.

— Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of hierarchy

Noun

The blowers want to get the sounds, which are called out by a clergy member in front of the congregation in a specific order, just right.

— Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
After his victory, Daley appointed Bowen as an executive assistant tasked with liaising between the mayor’s office and Chicago’s Black clergy.

— Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 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 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of diaconate

noun

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