EPISCOPATE Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

episcopate

noun

Definition of episcopate

as in presbytery

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

laity

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 episcopate The diaconate represents the Church’s third degree of holy orders, below the presbyterate, or priests, and episcopate, or bishops. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025 Vatican observers have long speculated that Francis saw Prevost as a potential successor, especially given his rapid rise and central role in shaping the modern episcopate. — Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 Amicable relations had long existed between the Catholic Church in Rome and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, but the Roman episcopate embraced Mussolini’s regime and its aggressive foreign policy in the mid-1930s. — Ian Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022 Healing will not begin until the episcopate reveals to the world what true repentance looks like, and makes that repentance visible through a change in behavior. — C.c. Pecknold, WSJ, 16 Aug. 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for episcopate

Noun

Casa Carolina Hotel What was originally the presbytery of the Santa Catalina de Alejandría Cathedral is now one of Cartagena's newest boutique hotels, Casa Carolina.

— Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2026
Inside Brixworth Church The choir, or presbytery—the heart of the church—is separated from the nave by a large arch.

— David Nikel, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024

Definition of presbytery

Noun

Two commissions studying the question of women in the diaconate, keeping discernment alive even without doctrinal change.

— Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
During the liturgical celebration, seminarian William O’Donnell, 25, will be ordained to the transitional diaconate.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025

Definition of diaconate

Noun

The lanky 26-year-old ascended the Astros’ pitching hierarchy as a starting pitcher but has blossomed into a swingman in Houston’s bullpen during his first full major-league season.

— The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 24 July 2026
And there shouldn’t be such an obvious and geographically rigged hierarchy.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of hierarchy

Noun

Other celebrities have provided support for Wells' family, including filmmaker Spike Lee and former NFL player Terrell Owens, along with many prominent Black clergy members.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Idaho clergy members told the Idaho Statesman this was a complicated, difficult and painful conversation.

— Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026

Definition of clergy

Browse Nearby Words

episcopal

episcopate

episcopates

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Episcopate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/episcopate. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of episcopate

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

parochial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes