PAPAL Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

papal

adjective

Definition of papal

as in episcopal

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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 papal Furnished in austere style, the papal suite on the 10th floor of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital is the roost of sick popes. — Anthony Faiola, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2026 The dean is known for playing a key role in papal transitions and is often considered a top contender himself. — Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 Oct. 2026 The era of papal health struggles had, many in the Vatican hoped, been put aside in the short term. — Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026 Leo regularly plays tennis and swims at the papal summer retreat in Castel Gandolfo, according to The Associated Press. — Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for papal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for papal

Adjective

After returning to the United States, Novakovic attended an Episcopal boarding school in San Antonio, Texas.

— byRachel Cole, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 May 2026
On New Year’s Eve in 1996, Christou followed Deadbeat with a club at a former Episcopal church that was built in 1865.

— Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026

Definition of episcopal

Adjective

In another decree published Monday, Leo canceled Francis’ plans to move some of the Vatican’s secret archives and library holdings out of the city state and onto the grounds of a pontifical university across town.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Leo opened his visit to Pompeii by meeting with sick and disabled people who are cared for by a charity center affiliated with the sanctuary, which Leo’s namesake, Pope Leo XIII, declared a pontifical basilica in 1901.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026

Definition of pontifical

Adjective

On June 2, 1979, Pope John Paul II set out from Rome on an apostolic journey, as papal trips away from the Vatican are called.

— Paul Elie, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church directed his remarks to university students at the Catholic University of Central Africa in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, during an 11-day apostolic journey in Africa.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026

Definition of apostolic

Adjective

Becerra’s father later began a construction career that lasted 30 years, while his mother worked as a clerical worker and later purchased rental properties.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
He is currently being detained at the prison ward designated for clerical inmates, according to official Iranian news reports.

— Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of clerical

Adjective

Reuters said a ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum is also set to take place, with its plenary session to be held behind closed doors.

— Azhar Sukri,Terri Cullen, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
Rodan-Benzaquen said the anger reflected years of educational instability, frequent ministerial changes and reforms that have failed to resolve persistent school problems.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of ministerial

Adjective

The Illinois native returned to his priestly roots with his last TV appearance as Father Tobias on the daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives.

— Rachel Flynn, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Parsi priesthood is hereditary, meaning all the boys here have been born into priestly families.

— Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026

Definition of priestly

Adjective

The evangelical Christian is trained early and often in the art of calling attention to their faith, in ways that might risk the irritation—but also pique the curiosity—of a nonbeliever.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2026
The French co-production follows two evangelical parents who are suspected of child abuse and become the subject of an investigation.

— Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of evangelical

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papa

papal

paparazzi

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“Papal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/papal. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of papal

adjective

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