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
In a separate audience Friday, Leo met with participants in a conference at the Vatican’s environmental educational center named for Francis’ 2015 encyclical. — ABC News, 20 June 2026 But last month in his first encyclical, Pope Leo XIV addressed the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 11 June 2026
Adjective
Here, Leo’s encyclical’s defense of human dignity is key. — Vilas Dhar, Time, 10 June 2026 In his latest encyclical, the pope issued an apology for the church’s failure to condemn slavery. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for encyclical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encyclical
  1. letter
  2. catholic
  3. message
  4. inclusionary
  5. epistle
  6. general
  7. proclamation
  8. comprehensive
Noun
  • Mark Zuckerberg, then Facebook’s chief executive, used the now-infamous line in a February 2012 investor letter.
    — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Over the weekend, Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, reaffirmed the country’s support for Hezbollah in a letter addressed to its leader Naim Qassem.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of letter
Adjective
  • Paré-Poupart’s style gives his book a rambunctious spirit, a sense of a hungry, catholic mind at work.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 June 2026
  • In 1646, Catholic bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza donated his own collection of books to be accessible to all, which is why the Biblioteca Palafoxiana is recognized as the first public library in the Americas.
    — Zanny Merullo, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026
Definition of catholic
Noun
  • The charging document also cited one of the many messages Dumarce sent to Cole, including some previously cited by Cole that included threats with pictures of her children.
    — Margaret Baker, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
  • The governor, in his veto message, cited affordability concerns.
    — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of message
Adjective
  • Mountain resort areas, by contrast, are leaders in inclusionary zoning, or trying to provide homes that are affordable across a range of incomes, even though that has become an increasingly difficult task, and often involves the luck of the draw, literally via a lottery.
    — Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 17 June 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 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
  • With Robertson in the lineup heading into training camp, general manager Jim Nill now has some options.
    — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • With multiple companies able to utilize general intelligence similarly, what will differentiate your firm from another will be the ability of your model to understand the work that needs to be done.
    — TerDawn DeBoe, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of general
Noun
  • The final attempt to stop further bloodshed without the use of federal troops came in the form of a proclamation from President Harding.
    — Elijah TanAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026
  • The proclamation also gives the United States room to reduce or end the duty.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of proclamation
Adjective
  • This enables comprehensive pre-arrival planning, reducing friction for guests and maximizing ancillary revenue for hotels.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • What’s New Think of this as a comprehensive refresh rather than an all-new model.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 29 July 2026
Definition of comprehensive

Browse Nearby Words

encumbrances
encyclical
encyclicals
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Cite this Entry

“Encyclical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encyclical. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on encyclical

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about encyclical

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