ministry

1 something used to achieve an end I don't care by what ministry it's accomplished, so long as it's done Synonyms agency, instrument, instrumentality, machinery, means, medium, agent, organ, vehicleRelated Words determinant, expedient, factor, influence, ingredient, mechanism, tool; weapon; activator, animator, catalyst, driver, energizer, executor, generator, impetus, incentive, inspiration, instigation, instigator, launcher, mover, power, stimulus, trigger; antecedent, cause, occasion, reason; subagency, subagent

2 the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church the ranks of the ministry have dwindled considerably in recent years Synonyms church, cloth, first estate, clergy, spirituality, spiritualtyRelated Words diaconate, episcopate, hierarchy, presbytery; clerkship, monkhood, priesthoodAntonyms laity