PRIESTLY Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

priestly

adjective

ˈprēst-lē

Definition of priestly next

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 Lopez’s thoughts turned to those who may have strayed from the faith, the priestly role in bringing them back and the importance of Christmas in perhaps sparking that return. —

Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025 Full priestly duties June through October, combined with driving up and down the mountain, had been a stretch. —

CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025 The names were common, but for good reason, as the Hasmonean priestly family was so revered. —

Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025 The text records royal decrees including tax relief during poor Nile floods; donations to temples; the creation of a new priestly office; a festival tied to the heliacal rising of Sirius; and a calendar reform introducing a leap day every four years. —

Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for priestly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for priestly

Adjective

In each of the 11 countries, a national agency or dedicated ministerial department was set up to implement and track the project, with a coordinating entity, the Pan-African Great Green Wall Agency, based in Mauritania.

— Julie Bourdin, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026
Opponents also object to the city’s review process for the project, which is ministerial, meaning the applicants do not need to seek public input and that review by city staff does not need to include public hearings.

— Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026