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

France and Saudi Arabia have formed a task force on energy and logistics connections between the Middle East and Europe that is scheduled to meet at the ministerial level Monday.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Aug. 2026
In 2002, the FA was forced to change the name of the competition by the Charity Commission — the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales.

— Colin Millar, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of ministerial

Adjective

This 1920s hooked rug serves as a piece of American folk art and its pastoral nursery rhyme scene lends the right amount of charm.

— Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
Although the film is about a specific Somali pastoral community, the emotions and questions at its center are universal.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of pastoral

Adjective

The best family offices do not treat trust administration as clerical work.

— Michael Gold CFP, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Critics of Iran's clerical rulers hoped initially that Iran's government would collapse amid a bombing campaign that killed Iran's most senior military and religious officials, including its supreme leader.

— Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 27 Aug. 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 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of priestly

adjective

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