POPE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

pope

noun

Definition of pope

as in archbishop

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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 pope The pope joins the nearly 50 million Americans who have already voted early for Tuesday’s election, according to the early-voter tracker at the University of Florida’s Election Lab. — Rachel Lerman, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2026 Peter was recognized in the early Christian church as the leader of the Twelve Apostles and is considered in the Roman Catholic Church to have been the first pope. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 Trump has been less critical of him lately — frequently talking about how the pope’s eldest brother, Louis, is a supporter of his. — Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026 Their lawyer, Sebastián Sal, is seeking a meeting with the pope and has requested that Ocáriz also face charges. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pope

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pope

Noun

In neighboring Uruguay, where Leo’s visit is expected to energize the Catholic minority in a country that officially celebrates Christmas as Family Day, Cardinal Daniel Sturla, the archbishop of Montevideo, tempered hopes for the historic visit.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
The festival closes with Sam Pollard’s Tutu, a profile of the South African archbishop, anti-Apartheid activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of archbishop

Noun

Identifying an abbot Rodwell found the bones were still jumbled together inside the coffin, which was hewn from a single block of limestone and measured about 7 feet (2 meters) long, with walls about 4 inches (10 centimeters) thick on average.

— Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
Variations on this legend suggest that the monk had broken his monastic vows, that the creation of the book in a single night was a deal offered by the monastery’s abbot, and that the book was intended to glorify his monastery.

— Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of abbot

Noun

The group was founded in 1970 in Switzerland by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, a French prelate, but five years later was officially suppressed by the Bishop of Fribourg.

— Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
In roughly 33 hours over the course of two days, the diverse group of international prelates elected Prevost on the fourth ballot.

— Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

Definition of prelate

Noun

Steven Freedman, associate dean of admissions at the University of Kansas School of Law, said the loans are important to help provide access to all students.

— Heather Hollingsworth, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
The strike has also been backed by labor unions, university deans, churches, artists, athletes, international media organizations and others.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of dean

Noun

The first is the strikingly Gothic diocesan throne, which sits in the cathedral choir and dates from the Victorian era.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2026
The diocesan website includes a statement from Dallas Bishop Edward Burns connecting the need for social distancing with the story of the Good Samaritan.

— David Tarrant, Dallas News, 6 Apr. 2020

Definition of diocesan

Noun

In 2014, Pope Francis abolished the future use of the monsignor title — which denotes a specific honor — for most priests.

— Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
This time around, the monsignor of a small-town church is found dead under mysterious circumstances, and Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is summoned to investigate.

— Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026

Definition of monsignor

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“Pope.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pope. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of pope

noun

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