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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. catholic
  3. message
  4. inclusionary
  5. epistle
  6. general
  7. proclamation
  8. comprehensive
Noun
  • Haitians in Springfield were among the first to receive ICE check-in letters after TPS ended and many were fitted with ankle monitors, the Miami Herald reported.
    — Lauren Costantino September 19, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Critics of Prop 40 have also warned California’s levy is unlikely to be a one-time deal, and the letter sees a similar levy on billionaires elsewhere.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of letter
Adjective
  • Thanks to the grouse’s catholic tastes, there are no known reports of death by starvation.
    — Tom Huggler, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of catholic
Noun
  • Qatar is conveying messages between the parties, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Sunday in New York.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Ostrich Army, though, dismissed the courts as corrupt and, beginning in late January 2025, started to flood CFIA offices with hateful messages and threats.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of message
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 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
  • According to reports in September 2025, CATL’s European general manager Matt Shen informed that the company had been aiming to start production in late 2025 or early 2026.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
  • After receiving a letter of protest, President Meyer summoned a general meeting on November 23.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of general
Noun
  • Flags can be ordered lowered by the North Carolina Governor at state buildings and by a Presidential proclamation, which affects federal buildings, grounds and naval vessels.
    — Anna Roman, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued a proclamation to celebrate Columbus Day annually (which did not make the day a federal holiday).
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of proclamation
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) concluded negotiations on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, or DEFA—the world’s first comprehensive, region-wide agreement dedicated to the digital economy.
    — Jon M. Huntsman, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Among its provisions, the bill requires EPA to develop a comprehensive National Textile Circularity Strategy, as well as conduct a needs assessment to identify the actions, investments, and policy priorities that such strategy will require.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 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 26 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on encyclical

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about encyclical

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