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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Recent Examples of priesthood
Ordained to the Catholic priesthood in June, Jimenez was watching as parishioners acted out the Nativity scene during a posada, a Latin American tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem in search of shelter.
—
Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
In a faith where men hold all priesthood authority, reality TV has become an unexpected loophole for female dissent.
—H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
Rather than the writer pontificating about how Pfleger needs to retire from active priesthood, how about a better use of his time by advocating the notion that pedophile priests should be retired to jail.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Black men also were banned from ordained priesthood.
—Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for priesthood
Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025
In a faith where men hold all priesthood authority, reality TV has become an unexpected loophole for female dissent.
—H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
Rather than the writer pontificating about how Pfleger needs to retire from active priesthood, how about a better use of his time by advocating the notion that pedophile priests should be retired to jail.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
Black men also were banned from ordained priesthood.
—Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for priesthood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for priesthood
Noun
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The Marquess of Hartington and a member of the British aristocracy.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
27 Mar. 2026
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But the rest of the aristocracy still favors sons over daughters.—
Lauren Frayer,
NPR,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The records pulled back a curtain on favor-trading and frank communications in a chummy elite that looked past Epstein's 2008 guilty plea to solicitating prostitution from an underage girl in Florida.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
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The records pulled back a curtain on favor-trading and frank communications in a chummy elite that looked past Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea to solicitating prostitution from an underage girl in Florida.—
Jennifer Peltz,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Brzustewicz led all Knights in scoring with 54 points in 59 games this season on the strength of three-year bests in goals (19) and assists (35).—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
4 Apr. 2026
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Check out three of our most popular collections from our Better Homes & Gardens line at Walmart (Brookbury, Ezra, and Marlow) to see which pieces and styles might match your aesthetic best.—
Carly Totten,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Leefbaar Rotterdam, Reichman’s political party, has sought to distance itself from the council member-elect.—
Brooke Migdon,
PEOPLE,
30 Mar. 2026
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Congratulations to the new members-elect.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Named for the Astor matriarch who shaped New York society, these suites feature a welcome foyer, separate living room, king bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, and that same stunning marble bathroom.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
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Institutional trust acts like a health multiplier for society.—
Dr. Howard A. Selinger,
Hartford Courant,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Priesthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/priesthood. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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