PRESBYTERY Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

presbytery

noun

Definition of presbytery

as in episcopate

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

laity

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 presbytery Casa Carolina Hotel What was originally the presbytery of the Santa Catalina de Alejandría Cathedral is now one of Cartagena's newest boutique hotels, Casa Carolina. — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2026 Inside Brixworth Church The choir, or presbytery—the heart of the church—is separated from the nave by a large arch. — David Nikel, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 Gretta wanted my grandparents to join her and a small group of other congregants in a formal complaint to the presbytery. — Aryn Kyle, Harper's Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024 After the service, William and Kate headed to the cathedral’s presbytery, where the princess laid a bouquet of flowers in front of a portrait of the queen. — Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 8 Sep. 2023 Reports indicate the presbytery doesn’t have a formal security program for its churches and schools but that members have worked together to share best practices and improve safety. — Savannah Tryens-Fernandes | [email protected], al, 31 Mar. 2023 The church linked to the school is a member of the presbytery, which includes congregations in middle Tennessee and southwestern Kentucky. — Travis Loller, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Mar. 2023 The national presbytery of the Assemblies of God defrocked Swaggart, removing his credentials and ministerial license. — Paul Grein, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples of Synonyms for presbytery

Noun

The diaconate represents the Church’s third degree of holy orders, below the presbyterate, or priests, and episcopate, or bishops.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
Vatican observers have long speculated that Francis saw Prevost as a potential successor, especially given his rapid rise and central role in shaping the modern episcopate.

— Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

Definition of episcopate

Noun

His size and confidence has moved him up the hierarchy, affording him some of the best fishing spots on the Brooks River.

— Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2026
The French Catholic hierarchy strongly opposed the measures, in keeping with Catholic teaching that human life must be protected and defended from conception until natural death.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of hierarchy

Noun

Meanwhile, local Church leaders hope the pope's visit will repair the Church's standing after a crushing 2021 report found that some 330,000 French children had been abused by Catholic clergy and lay leaders over seven decades.

— Joshua McElwee, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
Though Rome was not convinced (Columbus had not, to anyone’s knowledge, performed any miracles), in 1892, Pope Leo XIII did issue a special encyclical calling on all clergy in the Americas and in Europe to hold a special Mass each Columbus Day.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of clergy

Noun

Two commissions studying the question of women in the diaconate, keeping discernment alive even without doctrinal change.

— Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025
During the liturgical celebration, seminarian William O’Donnell, 25, will be ordained to the transitional diaconate.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025

Definition of diaconate

Noun

The hues throughout the rooms are modern and warm, with touches of blues and greens that mirror the color of the city’s lake, mountains, and church rooftops.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
San Miguel de Allende is celebrated for its thriving arts and culinary scenes, as well as Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the neo-Gothic church that soars above the historic city’s central plaza.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of church

Browse Nearby Words

presbyters

presbytery

preschool

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“Presbytery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presbytery. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of presbytery

noun

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