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 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 That religious significance helps explain the presence of so many priestly and temple-related inscriptions among the fragments. — Ryan Brennan april 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for priestly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for priestly

Adjective

Whatever the outcome of the ministerial meeting, there is no version that will make Americans safer.

— Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 22 July 2026
For avid politicos, there have been so many prime ministerial resignations over the last few years that some Downing Street staff have become like fan-favorite, recurring characters in a TV show.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of ministerial

Adjective

But after a morning of pastoral Tyrolean views, followed by a convivial lunch at a lakefront restaurant, my commitment to solitude wavered.

— Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026
The interior and exterior become one, a magical pastoral world in the middle of the city.

— Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2026

Definition of pastoral

Adjective

After doing clerical work, he was assigned to the Katsura Imperial Villa in his fourth year.

— Hiroshige Yazawa Japan News, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026
The union represents over 250,000 classified public school employees, like bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, para-educators, clerical staff and campus security guards.

— Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 15 July 2026

Definition of clerical

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priestliness

priestly

priests

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“Priestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/priestly. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of priestly

adjective

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