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priesthood

noun

ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce priesthood (audio)
Definition of priesthoodnext
as in aristocracy
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class a gathering of Mafia dons that was in effect a convocation of the nation's priesthood of organized crime

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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 priesthood Historic meeting follows king’s visit George Gross, an expert on theology and the monarchy at King’s College London, said Monday’s meeting was historic, particularly given the Vatican doesn’t recognize the female priesthood. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2026 Listen to the full episode to hear Misti get into the real solutions being researched right now, including ritualistic atomic priesthood, songs, and stories. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026 Apostles are all men in accordance with the church's all-male priesthood. — CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025 Apostles are all men in accordance with the church’s all-male priesthood. — Hannah Schoenbaum, Fortune, 27 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for priesthood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for priesthood
  1. aristocracy
  2. elite
  3. best
  4. elect
  5. society
Noun
  • The ‘Baronessa’ was Venetian aristocracy and lived in a vast rococo palace with Guardis and Canalettos in the drawing room.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Born in 1901, Cartland was a fixture of British high society, rubbing shoulders with press barons, politicians, the aristocracy and the Royal Family, as step-grandmother to Princess Diana.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of aristocracy
Noun
  • More than 80 years ago a novel sent shockwaves through Fort Worth for its portrayal of the city’s elites.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The death of Choi, who rubbed shoulders with Hong Kong’s showbiz and business elites, sent shockwaves through the wealthy financial hub, where homicides are rare, and made global headlines.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of elite
Noun
  • But for the second straight week, Kelce had game-bests in receptions and receiving yards as the Chiefs beat the Colts 33-30 in overtime Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Benton had career bests in tackles (51), tackles for loss (6) and sacks (5 1/2) while helping the Steelers to the AFC North title.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of best
Noun
  • The first meeting was in November of last year at the White House, when Mamdani was mayor elect, and the second was in February, also at the White House.
    — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The governor-elect faced a fight over removing Nick Balletto, who had initially been dismissive of Lamont as a candidate, as the Democratic state chair.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of elect
Noun
  • Rothman says playing live is the biggest motivation in their career, and that artists can still impact society directly by getting onstage and singing songs to real, live people.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2026
  • People belonging to the faction are emphatically optimistic about AI and its future benefits to society.
    — Katie McQue, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of society

Browse Nearby Words

priestesses
priesthood
priesthoods
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on priesthood

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about priesthood

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