nun

noun

Definition of nunnext
as in abbess

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of nun The nun study reshaped how scientists think about Alzheimer’s by showing that brain pathology and cognitive symptoms don’t always line up. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026 Another early-’80s sensation, the prodigy Andrea Jaeger, retired at 20 and later became a nun. — Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026 Over the last week, the agency has arrested 10,000 people, including a nun in Texas who was later released after outcry from officials, community leaders and activists. — Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 This spiritual, metaphysical, and downright weird show is ostensibly about a nun’s quest to find and destroy the Holy Grail, which will result in the deactivation of the powerful, pervasive AI that gives the series its name. — Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nun
  1. abbess
  2. monk
  3. prioress
  4. priestess
  5. religious
  6. friar
  7. novice
  8. sister
Noun
  • Hildegard was a Catholic abbess of the Benedictine Order.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Now, thanks to a greater emphasis on women’s education in recent years, Tibetan Buddhist nuns are increasingly becoming teachers and abbesses.
    — Darcie Price-Wallace, The Conversation, 26 Sep. 2025
Definition of abbess
Noun
  • Apps such as Headspace, Calm and Plum Village – inspired by the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh – are helping people build a steady practice, reduce stress and improve sleep.
    — Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
  • Ryushin, the Buddhist monk at the center of Crows Are White was keeping his identity private until completing his monastic training.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of monk
Noun
  • The slow-burn thriller is partially based on a 17th century ballad in which the heroic outlaw’s cousin, a malevolent prioress, bleeds the older, ailing Robin to death under the guise of the ancient medical treatment known as bloodletting.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026
  • After Robin is gravely injured, he is taken in by the sage prioress Brigid (Jodie Comer), who nurses him back to health at an island convent.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 June 2026
Definition of prioress
Noun
  • Women and girls in all corners of this world are accustomed to, and even expect, danger, including the priestess of Athena (Zendaya) whom Odysseus’ men behead during their sack of Troy.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026
  • My own outlook changed after a priestess told me to keep an altar to bring offerings to my ancestors.
    — Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026
Definition of priestess
Noun
  • As a young religious, Bishop-elect Lombardo did missionary work in Bolivia and Honduras.
    — Laura Rodríguez Presa, chicagotribune.com, 11 Sep. 2020
Definition of religious
Noun
  • Fra Giovanni da Pian del Carpine, who was a medieval Italian Franciscan friar and explorer in 1244 went to Mongolia [as a papal ambassador].
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 13 June 2026
  • The storied residence was first commissioned in 1712 by Anna Gravina, Princess of Gravina and Valguarnera, and it's also attributed to Dominican friar and architect Tommaso Maria Napoli.
    — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
Definition of friar
Noun
  • The best rock tumbler for beginners is one that comes as a complete kit, including the rocks, so the novice has the best chance of being successful on the first try.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • While El-Sayed was ahead in many polls over Stevens, including a recent survey conducted by Emerson College, the Democratic novice is trailing in some polling against Rogers, which the GOP nominee sees as advantageous.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of novice
Noun
  • The sisters, along with their mother, were vacationing in Florida while Tran stayed home in San Jose.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • In 2017, Leo and Lenny made their Wimbledon debut with their sisters to see Federer win his first Wimbledon title since 2012.
    — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of sister

Browse Nearby Words

numskulls
nun
nuncio
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Cite this Entry

“Nun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nun. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of nun for Spanish Speakers

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