CLERGY Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

clergy

noun

ˈklər-jē

Definition of clergy

as in church

the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church when people find out she's a member of the clergy, they suddenly change their manner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

laity

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 clergy Hundreds of clergy members from across the country flew to Minneapolis to join the protests. — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 Conversations with members of clergy are often privileged and cannot be introduced as evidence against a defendant. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Buddhist clergy quickly responded—opening schools in Hilo and Kona in 1898 and in Honolulu in 1902, and sparking a showdown between leaders of both religions. — H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 21 Aug. 2026 In 2024, Hamilton was a strong supporter of the decision by the United Methodist Church to allow LGBTQ+ clergy. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clergy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clergy

Noun

At this point, the business has had donated more than a million dollars to the homeless, Youth For Christ, and our church from profits.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Eze, whose ministry has churches in the US, UK, and Canada, said many who attend his conferences are Black, but some are White as well.

— Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of church

Noun

The diaconate represents the Church’s third degree of holy orders, below the presbyterate, or priests, and episcopate, or bishops.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
Vatican observers have long speculated that Francis saw Prevost as a potential successor, especially given his rapid rise and central role in shaping the modern episcopate.

— Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

Definition of episcopate

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clergies

clergy

clergyman

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“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clergy. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of clergy

noun

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