ECCLESIAL Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

ecclesial

adjective

i-ˈklē-zē-əl

Definition of ecclesial

as in ecclesiastical

of or relating to a church the waning of ecclesial power in Europe as the number of lapsed Christians increases

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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 ecclesial In matters of religious, communal, and pastoral Christian life in the Holy Land, there is no higher ecclesial authority. — Fares Abraham, Washington Post, 22 Jan. 2026 The Reforming Popes of the 11th and 12th centuries, beginning with Leo IX and culminating with Innocent III, addressed the ecclesial crises of their day. — Case Thorp, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025 Others suggest that any sort of ecclesial peace that had reigned was over and that Francis is now more exposed to critics, deprived of the moderating influence Benedict played in keeping the conservative Catholic fringe at bay. — Nicole Winfield, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Jan. 2023 And yet, in the process of fleeing broken ecclesial institutions, didn’t the new contemplatives also constitute a body politic? — Fred Bahnson, Harpers Magazine, 5 Jan. 2021 With the pontiff set to touch down in Barcelona, Madrid and the Canary Islands, Sorcinelli declined to share any details due to the assignment’s ecclesial and institutional nature. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 During the latter half of the century, the Brazilian Catholic church shifted its approach from one that centered on elites and favored the status quo to one that promoted social justice and ecclesial and political action on behalf of the poor. — Chayenne Polimédio, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ecclesial

Adjective

In his decision, Chief District Chief Judge Amos Mazzant ruled that a First Amendment protection for churches, known as the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine, applied to Gateway.

— Giles Hudson, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Judge Amos Mazzant in the Eastern District of Texas ruled a First Amendment protection for churches, the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine, applied to Gateway.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026

Definition of ecclesiastical

Adjective

This will be followed by a final period in Florence to learn the technique and historical evolution of egg tempera, to acquire ancient handweaving skills and expand her knowledge of its applications in the ecclesiastic context.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Back then, Kennedy was constantly fending off accusations from Protestant ecclesiastic types who were wary that his nomination meant the pontiff, John XXIII, was already packing his bags for a move into the White House.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

Definition of ecclesiastic

Adjective

Enrollment in private schools in Miami-Dade County — religious and non-religious — has increased from about 70,000 to 92,000 the past two decades, according to reporting by the Miami Herald.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Tuckers Grove, a historically Black religious camp meeting site, is about 600 feet from the northern edge of Irongate, Joshua Grant, Lincoln County planning and inspections manager told The Charlotte Observer.

— Joe Marusak July 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026

Definition of religious

Browse Nearby Words

eccentrics

ecclesial

ecclesiastic

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“Ecclesial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ecclesial. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ecclesial

adjective

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