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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Walsh’s ruling gave the OCA, which is the largest of three Russian Orthodox ecclesiastical bodies in the United States, authority to govern the parish and the judge ordered the parish’s former leaders to vacate the property by June 2025. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026 These final days of Lent, constituting the most solemn season of the ecclesiastical year, will commemorate the passion and death of Christ. — From Staff Reports, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 2 Apr. 2026 With the creation of 15 additional dioceses in 2025, the church now boasts 176 dioceses and 14 ecclesiastical provinces across the country. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026 So, according to the current ecclesiastical rules, Easter is to be celebrated on April 5. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 31 Mar. 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 editor of the journal Kayhan, Hossein Shariatmadari, wrote that enforcement is both a legal obligation and a religious duty for officials.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Whether to use the stations is a private choice, and any individual may use the facilities for either a secular or religious purpose.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of religious

Adjective

Take a look The White Sox's papal play Pope Leo XIV got a tribute Tuesday night when the White Sox hosted the Cincinnati Reds, as over 40,000 pope hats were handed out to fans and even players.

— Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
Ghost have shared the new trailer for 2 Big to Rig, the upcoming concert film documenting the Swedish papal heavy metal outfit’s 2025 gigs in Mexico City.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2026

Definition of papal

Browse Nearby Words

ecclesiastic

ecclesiastical

ecclesiastics

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ecclesiastical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ecclesiastical. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of ecclesiastical

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

southpaw

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Commonly Misspelled Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Why do we say 'break a leg'?

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes