as in church
the people of a religion who are not priests, ministers, etc.
a member of the laity The laity has played an important role in the history of the church.
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Recent Examples of laity
Despite the bishops’ protests, the laity seems to be aligning more with the president than with their shepherds.
—
Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 20 Dec. 2025
Indeed, nuns are now teaching philosophy within their own nunneries at home and abroad, becoming principals of their institutions, serving as role models for other nuns and the laity, and entering long retreats – a staple of Buddhist contemplative activities on the path to awakening.
—Darcie Price-Wallace, The Conversation, 26 Sep. 2025
To believe that churches can direct the laity on how to vote, whether for members of the school board or for the president of the country, is to deny the Christian teaching that all humans are made in the image of God and can understand and follow his will themselves.
—Esau McCaulley, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
As during the Protestant Reformation, the theological divide has extended beyond the clergy to the laity and the common faithful in the pew.
—Massimo Faggioli, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2018
See All Example Sentences for laity
Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 20 Dec. 2025
Indeed, nuns are now teaching philosophy within their own nunneries at home and abroad, becoming principals of their institutions, serving as role models for other nuns and the laity, and entering long retreats – a staple of Buddhist contemplative activities on the path to awakening.
—Darcie Price-Wallace, The Conversation, 26 Sep. 2025
To believe that churches can direct the laity on how to vote, whether for members of the school board or for the president of the country, is to deny the Christian teaching that all humans are made in the image of God and can understand and follow his will themselves.
—Esau McCaulley, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
As during the Protestant Reformation, the theological divide has extended beyond the clergy to the laity and the common faithful in the pew.
—Massimo Faggioli, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2018
See All Example Sentences for laity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laity
Noun
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There are beautiful walks and cycle rides and pretty Champenois villages in every direction, including Hautvillers, with the little church where Dom Pérignon is buried.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
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There’s one in white marble in Square Samuel Rousseau opposite Saint Clotilde church, wings protectively covering the composer César Franck.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Archbishop addresses alleged theft The archdiocese released a statement Saturday from Archbishop Shawn McKnight, who said his primary concern is for the people of Curé of Ars parish and all those directly affected by the alleged crime.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
23 May 2026
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Police then tracked Jacques's vehicle to a parish in Louisiana, where he was pulled over and arrested two days later, the outlet reported.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Noun
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During the service, the priest encouraged members of the congregation to share the sign of peace.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
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Originally a Presbyterian church, the structure was expanded in the 1950s with an annex to accommodate a growing congregation.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Laity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laity. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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