as in episcopate
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
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
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
As the cardinals of the Catholic Church go into conclave to elect the next pope, many of them are reading a dossier that lists the statements their brother cardinals have made on climate change, allowing women into the diaconate, and the status of the Latin Mass.
—Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 7 May 2025
Despite two papal commissions studying the diaconate question—first in 2016 and again in 2020—neither produced definitive recommendations.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 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
Brignac pleaded to be let into the diaconate.
—David A. Hammer, NOLA.com, 16 Dec. 2020
Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
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
As the cardinals of the Catholic Church go into conclave to elect the next pope, many of them are reading a dossier that lists the statements their brother cardinals have made on climate change, allowing women into the diaconate, and the status of the Latin Mass.
—Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 7 May 2025
Despite two papal commissions studying the diaconate question—first in 2016 and again in 2020—neither produced definitive recommendations.
—Gemma Allen, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 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
Brignac pleaded to be let into the diaconate.
—David A. Hammer, NOLA.com, 16 Dec. 2020
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
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
Noun
-
In the internal logic of Venezuela’s ruling system, power functions less like that of a modern institutional state and more like a feudal hierarchy, where control of armed force determines political survival.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
-
But some people involved will be new, including those at the top of the legislative hierarchy.—
Rachel E. Stassen-Berger,
Des Moines Register,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Iran’s ruling clergy have weathered huge protests many times before.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Replaced by sycophants and suffocated by the clergy’s interference in daily life, this class has long since lost faith in the system.—
Karim Sadjadpour,
The Atlantic,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Diaconate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diaconate. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
