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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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

Reuters said a ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum is also set to take place, with its plenary session to be held behind closed doors.

— Azhar Sukri,Terri Cullen, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
Rodan-Benzaquen said the anger reflected years of educational instability, frequent ministerial changes and reforms that have failed to resolve persistent school problems.

— Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of ministerial

Adjective

This seasonal pastoral journey, known as transhumance, defines a semi-nomadic way of life that is rapidly disappearing.

— Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026
These new or renovated getaways offer opportunities to bask in the season’s pastoral and cultural delights in comfort.

— Stephanie Rosenbloom, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of pastoral

Adjective

By the 1980s, England was beginning its turn away from churchgoing as a cornerstone of society, so nothing as extroverted or nakedly clerical as gospel choirs would fit a downcast, monochromatic land anyhow.

— Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Rubio said the inclusive presentation was in keeping with the effort, begun by Pope Francis, to make the church less clerical and more reflective of the real world.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of clerical

Browse Nearby Words

priestliness

priestly

priests

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of priestly

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes