CLERKLY Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

clerkly

adjective

ˈklər-klē

Definition of clerkly

as in ministerial

of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy a time when the clerkly duties of a country parson might include long rides on horseback to visit the more isolated members of the flock

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for clerkly

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

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.

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clerk

clerkly

clerks

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

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Synonyms of clerkly

adjective

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