first estate

noun

Definition of first estatenext
as in clergy
the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church a nation in which the first estate had long held a privileged position

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first estate
  1. clergy
  2. church
Noun
  • Among the mourners and dozens of clergy at Trinity Cathedral in midtown Sacramento on Thursday was a man who met Jerry Lamb just once but whose life the late bishop touched.
    — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The blowers want to get the sounds, which are called out by a clergy member in front of the congregation in a specific order, just right.
    — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of 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
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.

Browse Nearby Words

first-class
first estate
first estates
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First estate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20estate. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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