first estate

as in clergy
the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church a nation in which the first estate had long held a privileged position

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first estate
Noun
  • He was further influenced after learning that the FBI often calls on priests, rabbis and other clergy members to counsel victims at mass-casualty events.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Madison Diocese concluded an investigation into clergy abuse in 2019, and released the names of seven men.
    Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Abbotsford's churches have been a place where immigrants have found support when rumors of ICE raids surfaced locally or in cities like Milwaukee and Chicago.
    Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In late 2023, the City of South Miami Environmental Review & Preservation Board approved the church’s construction project plans, including building permits for applicable zoning, land use, and environmental regulations.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“First estate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20estate. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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