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
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After the clergy offered praise and comfort to a group mourning Alex Pretti’s death, a Merrillville man pulled the scarf from his face and jacket hood from his head in the oppressive cold and took the microphone.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026 -
In addition to clergy, community leaders and educators turned out in frigid conditions.—
John Lauritsen,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Nanos said Nancy Guthrie didn't attend her Sunday church service, adding that her family was notified about the absence by a churchgoer.—
Adam Sabes , Michael Ruiz , Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
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The Bishop agrees, but insists that since no other Franciscans are female, Aleys must be sent to the nearby Beguines—laywomen who take no vows, live in community, and work to support the church.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“First estate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20estate. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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