FIRST ESTATE Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

first estate

noun

Definition of 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

laity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first estate

Noun

The blowers want to get the sounds, which are called out by a clergy member in front of the congregation in a specific order, just right.

— Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
After his victory, Daley appointed Bowen as an executive assistant tasked with liaising between the mayor’s office and Chicago’s Black clergy.

— Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of clergy

Noun

Investigators later determined the shooter fired more than 100 rounds from a rifle into the church.

— Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
And in 1911 a disgruntled ex-Mormon hid a camera under his coat and snapped surreptitious photos of the temple’s interior in an unsuccessful attempt to blackmail the church.

— Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of church

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.

Browse Nearby Words

first-class

first estate

first estates

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“First estate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20estate. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of first estate

noun

Example Sentences

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