first estate

Definition of first estatenext
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
  • Talk to a trusted friend, a clergy person or see a therapist.
    Helen Dennis, Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
  • And throughout this service congregants and clergy alike prostrated dozens of times.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The church offers a conversion therapy-like deliverance ceremony that’s led to Ryan (Clausen) being fully haunted by this shape-shifting menace, and so, of course, Naim is next.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The little drone didn’t need to travel far to drop the narcotics off at a Lancaster church parking lot, where waiting hands would collect and distribute the drugs to their respective buyers.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
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 27 Apr. 2026.

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