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
  • Orangeries, once a status symbol for European aristocracy, are a glamorous accoutrement in large town or country houses.
    — Zoë Dare Hall, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • At last, Jones also thought, there was a chance to spotlight the dynamic between North Wales‘ working-class community and its aristocracy on the big screen, a corner of Britain’s social history that has long been sidelined.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026
Definition of aristocracy
Noun
  • At least a point was taken from every opponent barring Fulham in a campaign that offered no indication of the time Sunderland had spent away from English football’s elite.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • So how did a coach with such modest credentials elevate himself into the elite at such a late stage of his career?
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of elite
Noun
  • His hitting metrics are all career bests, and he’s headed for his fourth consecutive season of 20-plus homers.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Atwell, the 26-year-old five-year veteran, has modest career bests of 67 receptions (2023), 562 yards (2024), and three touchdowns (2023).
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026
Definition of best
Noun
  • With energy prices moving higher in July so far, and recent strong statements on fighting inflation, markets see broadly a 1 in 3 chance that the FOMC elects to increase rates in July.
    — Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Veleria Levy, representative-elect for northeast Charlotte’s state House District 99, testified against Duke’s original proposal this spring.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
Definition of elect
Noun
  • Across society, loneliness and social isolation continue to rise.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Rose is a helper, an idealist desperate for a better world, which for her means decarbonizing the economy by building a better society in the process.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2026
Definition of society

Browse Nearby Words

priestesses
priesthood
priesthoods
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Priesthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/priesthood. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on priesthood

Nglish: Translation of priesthood for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about priesthood

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