presbytery

noun

Definition of presbyterynext
as in episcopate

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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 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
  1. episcopate
  2. hierarchy
  3. clergy
  4. diaconate
  5. church
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
  • The lanky 26-year-old ascended the Astros’ pitching hierarchy as a starting pitcher but has blossomed into a swingman in Houston’s bullpen during his first full major-league season.
    — The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • And there shouldn’t be such an obvious and geographically rigged hierarchy.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of hierarchy
Noun
  • Other celebrities have provided support for Wells' family, including filmmaker Spike Lee and former NFL player Terrell Owens, along with many prominent Black clergy members.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Idaho clergy members told the Idaho Statesman this was a complicated, difficult and painful conversation.
    — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 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 statement represented a remarkable warning from the state’s Catholic church.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • Juliana, who was 16 years old and Black, was found May 8 hanged from a tree near a predominately Black church in north Charlotte after going missing for several days.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
Definition of church

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presbyters
presbytery
preschool
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Cite this Entry

“Presbytery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presbytery. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on presbytery

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about presbytery

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