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preacher

noun

ˈprē-chər How to pronounce preacher (audio)
Definition of preachernext
as in priest
a person specially trained and authorized to conduct religious services in a Christian church the marriage will be performed by our usual preacher

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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 preacher Politicians and preachers denounced them for blasphemy, perversion, and their loud support for civil rights. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2026 In the movie, a local brothel — the Devil’s Playhouse — becomes the target of a TV preacher, forcing the town’s sheriff, who happens to be a frequent customer, to save it. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026 The son of a former preacher, the South Carolina native grew up around music. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026 Parton’s first musical performances were in church, where her grandfather was a preacher. — Kristin M. Hall, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preacher
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preacher
  1. priest
  2. clergyman
  3. pastor
  4. minister
  5. reverend
Noun
  • Unlike Christian priests and medicine men, who generally command respect, rainmakers are sometimes seen as malicious people who retaliate against whole communities for quarrels with their neighbors.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • He was given the Last Rites by a priest in the hospital before making a miraculous recovery.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of priest
Noun
  • One local widow wants the world to honor the 2,977 killed, including her husband, a clergyman who kept a Bible on hand while traveling.
    — Meg Kinnard, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Alongside Garfield’s Ploughman is Cosmo Jarvis as the true historical figure Wat Tyler, Jamie Bell as clergyman John Ball and Thomasin McKenzie as fellow rebel Alyce.
    — Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of clergyman
Noun
  • The former pastor, who founded Texas megachurch Gateway in 2000, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, but all except six months of the time was suspended.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The asylum-seeking evangelical pastor dreamed of creating a vibrant gathering spot for Venezuelan immigrants.
    — Elliot Spagat, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of pastor
Noun
  • The region’s chief minister, who heads the executive branch, will be elected by parliament in its first session.
    — Teresa Cerojano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • But protests sprang up, and eventually Serbian prosecutors charged the minister of culture with falsifying documents to secure permits.
    — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of minister
Noun
  • However, a reverend in Zambia — Billiance Chondwe — says he's noticed a change.
    — Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 18 June 2026
  • Spirtual foundation Astara, where Guidera reportedly served as a reverend, paid tribute to the late actor in an emotional social media post over the weekend.
    — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Definition of reverend

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preacher
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Cite this Entry

“Preacher.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preacher. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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