encyclical 1 of 2

noun

Definition of encyclicalnext
as in letter
an official writing from the Pope to the Roman Catholic bishops

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encyclical

2 of 2

adjective

as in catholic

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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 encyclical
Noun
The title was a reference to the first encyclical on Catholic social teaching, written by Pope Leo XIII in 1891. — Walter Scheirer, The Conversation, 31 July 2026 The president may be willing to write off Pope Leo XIV, who issued an influential encyclical in May warning that AI needed guardrails to protect our humanity. — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 25 July 2026
Adjective
But last month in his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV addressed the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 11 June 2026 Here, Leo’s encyclical’s defense of human dignity is key. — Vilas Dhar, Time, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for encyclical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encyclical
  1. letter
  2. inclusionary
  3. message
  4. general
  5. epistle
  6. comprehensive
  7. proclamation
  8. compendious
Noun
  • Can the letter writer let sister know her fuss over food and product choices for 4-year-old nephew is hard to watch?
    — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Their letter suggested investigations by the Justice Department, Labor Department or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission if discrimination or retaliation were creating a hostile workplace were on the table.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of letter
Adjective
  • However, the Netherland Place home was bound by Denver’s inclusionary housing ordinance, which sets affordability covenants on some homes.
    — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to approving new services fees on May 19, the City Council unanimously approved a temporary inclusionary housing in-lieu fee.
    — Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026
Definition of inclusionary
Noun
  • The woman questioned the legitimacy of the message and brought it to authorities.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026
  • However, in July, Wayne released a message refuting reports of an engagement, referring to a relationship with someone in the past tense, albeit without mentioning them by name.
    — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of message
Adjective
  • The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC) shared a few general tips as well, including hard work and dedication, having good soil and one fruit per plant.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Fox News earlier reported the new reductions, which could include any one-star general or above or officer of equivalent Navy rank.
    — Konstantin Toropin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of general
Noun
  • The main theme of the letters over time emphasizes long-term value creation, but the epistles have drawn criticism from the political left and right.
    — byDebbie Carlson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Mar. 2026
  • For example, in several Epistles, the apostle Paul speaks often about the Christian hope in God through Jesus Christ.
    — Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2026
Definition of epistle
Adjective
  • To prevent that outcome, Washington needs an equally comprehensive strategy — one that takes America’s biotech ambitions as seriously as China takes its own.
    — Patrick McHenry, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Media support is equally comprehensive, offering apps like Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube with 3D/VR enhancements, alongside Xbox Cloud Gaming.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Noun
  • Before Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation, it was largely left to individual states when—or even if—to celebrate Thanksgiving.
    — Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 30, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026
  • More than 120 National Guard members were activated, part of roughly 400 statewide after the governor issued an emergency proclamation.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of proclamation
Adjective
  • Some may have wondered what shadows or secrets lay beneath the exuberant charm, and that is part of what drives Sara Wheeler’s compendious and at times skeptical biography.
    — Pico Iyer, Air Mail, 2 May 2026
  • In this compendious biography, Willaschek provides a vivid and accessible account of Kant’s ideas, life, and times.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2025
Definition of compendious

Browse Nearby Words

encumbrances
encyclical
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Cite this Entry

“Encyclical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encyclical. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on encyclical

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about encyclical

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