as in letter
an official writing from the Pope to the Roman Catholic bishops
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as in catholic
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encyclical
Jenna Dejong, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025
In 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued Rerum Novarum (Of New Things), one of the most important encyclicals in Catholic history.
—Sonari Glinton, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Andrew R. Chow, Time, 12 May 2025
The 12-page document was the pope’s strongest statement following the encyclical.
—Rachel Ramirez, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encyclical
Noun
The Vatican has not released details about any upcoming encyclicals or major doctrinal announcements, but Pope Leo's early speeches suggest a pontificate focused heavily on social justice and reconciliation.
—Jenna Dejong, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025
In 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued Rerum Novarum (Of New Things), one of the most important encyclicals in Catholic history.
—Sonari Glinton, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
In the midst of these many challenges, Leo penned Rerum Novarum, an encyclical that marked the first major example of a pope commenting on social justice.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 12 May 2025
The 12-page document was the pope’s strongest statement following the encyclical.
—Rachel Ramirez, CNN Money, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encyclical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encyclical
Noun
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Referring to your previous letter, when Israel controlled Gaza from 1967 to 2005, the average life expectancy went from 48 to 72 years.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
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The letters were addressed to her at our hometown address.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2026
Adjective
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Of course, anyone following Yungblud’s career already knows his tastes are catholic.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
27 Apr. 2026
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Indeed, Protestant leaders joined their Catholic counterparts at one recent meeting with Anthropic.—
Elias Wachtel,
The Atlantic,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In a message to residents, City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto confirmed Wang has resigned from the City Council, vacating her role as mayor, following the federal charges.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 May 2026
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His message was mostly aimed at critics on the right who say the administration is backing off.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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The developers plan to create 661 apartments, 165 of them affordable, or 25 percent, as required by mandatory inclusionary zoning.—
Kim Velsey,
Curbed,
24 Mar. 2026
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At one point, the council did consider several options, including the creation of an inclusionary zoning ordinance, which would require companies building new residential developments include a minimum number of units affordable to people earning below the average median income for the area.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
Adjective
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Bus lanes there are physically separated from general traffic.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
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While general manager Jeff Pagliocca has been quick to trade high draft picks in the past, the front office still has a desire to build through the draft — and has not been successful in that endeavor.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Noun
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In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson, acting on a joint congressional resolution, signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
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City leaders honored the organization with a proclamation recognizing its long-standing impact on economic empowerment and community development efforts across Kansas City, particularly within historically Black neighborhoods and the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District.—
J.M. Banks
May 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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Decades of fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan has stopped, but unresolved disputes remain, and neither side has signed a formal, comprehensive peace treaty.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
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The city still doesn’t have comprehensive recommendations on data center regulations.—
TERRY ROUECHE,
Charlotte Observer,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encyclical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encyclical. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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