as in preacher
a person specially trained and authorized to conduct religious services in a Christian church
searched for a priest who could perform an exorcism
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of priest
Accompanied by ringing bells, ethereal music and chanting hymns, the priests gracefully moved their arms in unison, holding up various flaming brass lamps during the 45-minute serene and powerful ritual.
—
Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
These thoughts and the current battle over immigration brought me to the work of the Reverend Dan Groody, a Catholic priest and a professor of theology at Notre Dame, who spent years working in Latin America.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026
The old Latin Mass features readings and hymns in Latin with the priest facing the altar, his back to the faithful in the pews.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Her husband, Theodore Gibson, was a priest, civil-rights leader and tireless advocate for Coconut Grove’s Black community.
—Najahe Sherman, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for priest
Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
These thoughts and the current battle over immigration brought me to the work of the Reverend Dan Groody, a Catholic priest and a professor of theology at Notre Dame, who spent years working in Latin America.
—Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2026
The old Latin Mass features readings and hymns in Latin with the priest facing the altar, his back to the faithful in the pews.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Her husband, Theodore Gibson, was a priest, civil-rights leader and tireless advocate for Coconut Grove’s Black community.
—Najahe Sherman, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for priest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for priest
Noun
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The television series emphasizes the role of Michael Woroniecki, a controversial Christian preacher from Grand Rapids, in the family's lives, though Woroniecki denies any influence.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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What Twin wouldn’t give right now for her own hands to be her mother’s or a preacher’s.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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She was nominated by a 17-member commission composed of clerics and lay people and her appointment was confirmed by King Charles III, who is the supreme governor of the church.—
Danica Kirka,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Otherwise disparate segments of Iranian society, such as the conservative Bazaari merchants hitherto largely loyal to the clerics and more liberal and secular Iranian youth, shared this overarching goal.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The clergyman connected Webster with another church member who was a criminal-defense lawyer.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Jan. 2026
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With intact skin and tissue, the mummified body, thought to be an 18th century clergyman, had drawn speculation of healing properties and even rumors of being poisoned.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
23 Dec. 2025
Noun
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On March 25 at Canterbury Cathedral, Mullally will be formally installed as bishop of the diocese of Canterbury in a ceremony marking the beginning of her new role.—
Danica Kirka,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
This behavior would earn them a warning from the bishop.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Ukrainian energy minister Denys Shmyal said the Russians had attacked the backbone of the country’s energy grid, including high voltage 750 kV and 330 kV overhead lines and two thermal power plants.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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Ezzatollah Zarghami, a former Iranian minister and ex–state broadcaster chief, issued a warning, threatening violence in the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of the world’s oil and petroleum product consumption passes.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
What to expect at the installation Mass The longer-than-normal Mass will have a large attendance with many religious figures such as bishops, priests, deacons and other guests.—
Alexa Herrera,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
David was a doctor at the hospital and a deacon at his church.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The family had been relying on food and water delivery from a local pastor.—
Alicia Victoria Lozano,
NBC news,
31 Jan. 2026
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The pastor told Lemon and the others to leave the church.—
Mara H. Gottfried,
Twin Cities,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As the good reverend so eloquently explained, tension or conflict is not a time to run.—
Essence,
Essence,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Matthew Long, a reverend at Portland’s Sudanese Fellowship Presbyterian Church, said that his community of South Sudanese worshippers panicked after hearing the news of TPS ending.—
Yamiche Alcindor,
NBC news,
21 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Priest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/priest. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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