PRELATE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

prelate

noun

Definition of prelate

as in archbishop

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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 prelate In roughly 33 hours over the course of two days, the diverse group of international prelates elected Prevost on the fourth ballot. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 Many other national bishops’ conferences and individual prelates have spoken out. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2026 However, the bishops took the extra step of releasing a video of various prelates reading the message into the camera, a component that observers interpreted as an unusually direct and personal rebuke. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 20 Dec. 2025 The Reverend Leah Daughtry is national presiding prelate of The House of the Lord Churches, co-convenor of Power Rising, author, and political strategist, having served as chief of staff of the DNC, CEO of the 2008 and 2016 Democratic Conventions, and an at-large member of the DNC. — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prelate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelate

Noun

In neighboring Uruguay, where Leo’s visit is expected to energize the Catholic minority in a country that officially celebrates Christmas as Family Day, Cardinal Daniel Sturla, the archbishop of Montevideo, tempered hopes for the historic visit.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
The festival closes with Sam Pollard’s Tutu, a profile of the South African archbishop, anti-Apartheid activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of archbishop

Noun

On April 18, 1049, the pope exempted a nunnery in Alsace – now in Sainte-Croix-en-Plaine, France – from the legal authority and supervision of the local bishop.

— Joëlle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026
Warren Jeffs then appointed Nephi Jeffs, another brother, as bishop.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of bishop

Noun

In 2014, Pope Francis abolished the future use of the monsignor title — which denotes a specific honor — for most priests.

— Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
This time around, the monsignor of a small-town church is found dead under mysterious circumstances, and Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is summoned to investigate.

— Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026

Definition of monsignor

Noun

The pope expressed hope that cooperation between the two sides would allow food and medical aid to reach the city and permit the voluntary and safe evacuation of civilians.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
The results, along with details of the tumor's molecular and genetic makeup, will help doctors determine whether the pope needs additional treatment.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of pope

Noun

This would be the case also for an apostate, heretic, schismatic bishop, presbyter, or deacon.

— Fr. Goran Jovicic, National Review, 13 June 2021
Before coming to Birmingham, Webster had served 18 years as executive presbyter of the Presbytery of Sierra Blanca in southern New Mexico.

— Greg Garrison, AL.com, 19 July 2017

Definition of presbyter

Noun

The men were also ordered to return more than 300 million baht (about $9 million) to the hospice at Wat Phra Bat Namphu temple in the central province of Lopburi, where Alongkot had served as abbot.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
The abbot eventually suspended the monk from his clerical duties a few months ago and the pair’s relationship worsened, per the outlet.

— Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of abbot

Noun

The first is the strikingly Gothic diocesan throne, which sits in the cathedral choir and dates from the Victorian era.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2026
The diocesan website includes a statement from Dallas Bishop Edward Burns connecting the need for social distancing with the story of the Good Samaritan.

— David Tarrant, Dallas News, 6 Apr. 2020

Definition of diocesan

Noun

Leadership at the university turned over last year, with the president, the dean of students and the director of Greek life all departing.

— Brittany Shammas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Parolin, who had been Francis' top deputy but remains in the job, was considered a leading contender in the conclave that elected Leo and was recently passed over as dean of the College of Cardinals.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of dean

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prelate

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

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Synonyms of prelate

noun

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