PRIORESS Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

prioress

noun

Definition of prioress

as in abbess

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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 prioress Matrix by Lauren Groff Currents of violence and devotion coalesce around Marie de France, a 17-year-old sent to be the new prioress of a 12th-century English abbey. — Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025 In response, the diocese said in a statement that the Holy See has acted toward healing the Arlington Carmel and the nuns in the community and not simply the former prioress and her former councilors. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2024 For the senior members of the order — two successive prioresses and the conflicted but maternal assistant prioress, Mother Marie — the role of self-abnegation is a deep moral mystery, one that takes a lifetime to fully understand. — Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 16 Oct. 2022 It’s set in the twelfth century, and is about a young Frenchwoman, Marie de France, the illegitimate offspring of royalty, who is sent to England by Eleanor of Aquitaine and becomes the prioress of an abbey. — Cressida Leyshon, The New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2021 See All Example Sentences for prioress

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prioress

Noun

Hildegard was a Catholic abbess of the Benedictine Order.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
Now, thanks to a greater emphasis on women’s education in recent years, Tibetan Buddhist nuns are increasingly becoming teachers and abbesses.

— Darcie Price-Wallace, The Conversation, 26 Sep. 2025

Definition of abbess

Noun

For that, a 12th-century Roman Catholic nun from Germany has the answer.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Ugboaja was released later the same day after intervention from members of Texas’ congressional delegation and public outcry over the detention of a nun wearing her habit on her way to worship.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Definition of nun

Noun

The best rock tumbler for beginners is one that comes as a complete kit, including the rocks, so the novice has the best chance of being successful on the first try.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
While El-Sayed was ahead in many polls over Stevens, including a recent survey conducted by Emerson College, the Democratic novice is trailing in some polling against Rogers, which the GOP nominee sees as advantageous.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of novice

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“Prioress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prioress. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of prioress

noun

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