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
  • The couple was issued letters that recommend disciplinary action following a sustained policy violation, Brent Weisberg, a spokesman for the Department of Public Safety, confirmed Friday.
    — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Then send them a letter, an email, or even better, deliver the letter in person and read it to them.
    — Clare Marie Schneider, NPR, 10 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
  • Expect Raman, whom City Hall opponents have long trashed as conflict-averse, to focus on a message of possibility and positivity while holding her ground and striking back — and hard — when necessary.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Adam Rubin, one of the co-owners, told USA Today that the store’s phone and emails have been flooded with threatening messages.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of message
Adjective
  • There’s a distinction between general reasoning models, like LLMs, and the specialized AI biofoundation models like protein language models and protein structure prediction.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Prior to this, Asian artists largely had to compete in the best global music performance category or the broader general pop fields.
    — Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 13 Oct. 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
  • By comparison, human advisors can build a comprehensive financial plan — including investing, taxes, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning and more — based on your specific goals.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Months later, Straker delivered a comprehensive menu—and when the doors opened, Casa Cruz became London’s hottest restaurant.
    — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Noun
  • Sonoma County supervisors on Tuesday issued an emergency proclamation ahead of the developing El Niño season that is predicted to cause heavy rain during the winter.
    — Senior Editor, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Continue reading … DIVIDED HALLS — School board urges students to ‘celebrate’ LGBTQ+ history in new proclamation.
    — , FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Encyclical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encyclical. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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