ECCLESIASTICAL Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

ecclesiastical

adjective

i-ˌklē-zē-ˈa-sti-kəl

Definition of ecclesiastical

as in ecclesiastic

of or relating to a church ecclesiastical laws that have been in existence for centuries

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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 ecclesiastical The government may not decide that Church teaching is insufficiently religious, insufficiently consistent with Catholic doctrine, or insufficiently compelling to justify an ecclesiastical policy. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 The Zaporizhyan ecclesiastical design belonged to the Middle Dnieper architectural school and was built with wooden pegs instead of nails, using oak from a fortress. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 6 Aug. 2026 An East Texas federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in June, ruling that a First Amendment protection known as the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine applied to the church. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026 But the chapel, heavy with the scent of ecclesiastical incense, felt as genuine as could be, worn from nearly two centuries of worship. — Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ecclesiastical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

The Florida Department of Education is considering a new dress code policy for employees that puts restrictions on religious head coverings, Crocs and short skirts.

— Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Families could use awards for private or religious school, homeschooling, tutoring, special education therapies and other education costs; public school students also qualify.

— Bianca Vázquez Toness, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of religious

Adjective

In Lourdes, a holy site in southern France, around 150,000 attended an open-air papal Mass, according to Vatican estimates which dwarf the numbers of faithful who turned out for the last papal visit in 2008.

— Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
The South Side team even had a theme night in August dedicated to the Pope, where fans at Rate Field were given replica papal-style hats featuring the Sox logo in a game against the Cincinnati Reds.

— Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of papal

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ecclesiastic

ecclesiastical

ecclesiastics

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“Ecclesiastical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ecclesiastical. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ecclesiastical

adjective

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