as in missioners
a person who is sent especially to a foreign country to do religious work (such as converting people to the religion or ministering to the sick)
The missionaries sent to the island were ultimately unsuccessful in converting the native residents.
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Recent Examples of missionaries
The missionaries arrived in 1820, and mosquitos not too long after in 1826.
—
Will McGough, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Similarly, church members over the age of 40 can serve as senior missionaries, with lengths of service typically ranging from about one to two years.
—Jillian Frankel, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Around that time, French Catholic missionaries realized that Yunnan provided ideal conditions (sunny days, cool evenings, high altitudes) for cultivating grape vines.
—Katie Chang, AFAR Media, 25 Aug. 2025
Huntsville became a training ground for new Assemblies of God pastors and missionaries, and as those young ministers fanned out across Texas and the nation, many brought Savala’s teachings with them.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2025
Will McGough, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Similarly, church members over the age of 40 can serve as senior missionaries, with lengths of service typically ranging from about one to two years.
—Jillian Frankel, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Around that time, French Catholic missionaries realized that Yunnan provided ideal conditions (sunny days, cool evenings, high altitudes) for cultivating grape vines.
—Katie Chang, AFAR Media, 25 Aug. 2025
Huntsville became a training ground for new Assemblies of God pastors and missionaries, and as those young ministers fanned out across Texas and the nation, many brought Savala’s teachings with them.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for missionaries
Noun
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Many models are small enough to be carried in a backpack or launched by hand, allowing soldiers to employ them directly in the field without requiring specialized vehicles for transport or deployment.—
Vikram Mittal,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Minorhad its premiere in Vienna, as the Montgolfier brothers undertook the first manned balloon trip in Paris, and as the Continental Army fought British soldiers in North America.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The investigation involves local police, priests, and a house of God.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
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Before ever encountering the Warrens, Valak took out a convent, murdered some priests, and possessed a very hot Frenchman.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Missionaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/missionaries. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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