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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first estate
Noun
  • Each campus is maintaining its name, religious services and clergy.
    Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2025
  • The clergy asked them to be ready to defend their neighbors in the coming days.
    Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Butler had become an attorney and an official at a prominent Los Angeles church.
    Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • Sheriff’s officials said a man was stabbed multiple times, and the wounded man staggered into a nearby church.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025
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 8 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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