PRIESTLY Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

priestly

adjective

ˈprēst-lē

Definition of priestly

as in ministerial

of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy majestically robed in priestly garments

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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 priestly The sentiment feels strangely heavy-handed, conveyed through priestly monologues, Biblical parallels, and goblin-like snarls that pop up across the board. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 28 May 2026 In a set of photos that's sweeping the internet, Pope Leo was well and truly seen in a pair of Nike sneakers, paired with his traditional, priestly robes. — Chiara Da Col, Vanity Fair, 9 May 2026 On Sunday, the Jewish priestly blessing at the Western Wall -- normally attended by tens of thousands -- was limited to just 50 people. — Arkansas Online, 6 Apr. 2026 On Sunday, the Jewish priestly blessing at the Western Wall — normally attended by tens of thousands — was limited to 50 people. — Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for priestly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for priestly

Adjective

While Brazil and Saudi Arabia engaged via ministerial levels through Foreign Ministers Mauro Vieira and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the scope of the forum expanded dramatically during the partner and outreach dialogues.

— Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Wong on Tuesday announced in the parliament that ministerial salaries will be adjusted upwards, having remained unchanged for 15 years.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of ministerial

Adjective

Stretching across western Massachusetts and coming right up to the New York border, the region feels at once pastoral and remote yet still vibrant and culturally rich.

— Madeline Weinfield, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2026
Red neon tubes illuminated art works ranging from the disturbing (a black-and-white photograph of a person stuffing sausages in their mouth) to the mundane (a pastoral painting of a snowshoe-wearing rifleman).

— Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of pastoral

Adjective

The civilian staff of roughly 1,400 would grow by 120 slots — a mix of clerical and tech positions and staff for the county’s 911 center.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
The recount commission agreed to toss several votes for largely clerical mistakes.

— Cate Charron, IndyStar, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of clerical

Browse Nearby Words

priestliness

priestly

priests

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“Priestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/priestly. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of priestly

adjective

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