first estate

noun

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
  1. clergy
  2. church
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
Noun
  • The statement represented a remarkable warning from the state’s Catholic church.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • Juliana, who was 16 years old and Black, was found May 8 hanged from a tree near a predominately Black church in north Charlotte after going missing for several days.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First estate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20estate. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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