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
  • They were seen by the clergy, for example, to be distracted by chocolate, drinking it and gossiping instead of paying attention to mass.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Attempt to add clergy fails Earlier Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee voted 8-3 to defeat a bill that would have added clergy to the list of mandatory reporters.
    Seth Tupper & John Hult, States Newsroom, 12 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The church will have an alternative menu of mac and cheese or cheese pizza.
    Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Contrary to popular belief, Lent is not exclusively observed by Catholics, but is also practiced by Orthodox Christians and Protestants, including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and some Evangelical churches.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 18 Feb. 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 21 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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