cleric

noun

cler·​ic ˈkler-ik How to pronounce cleric (audio)
ˈkle-rik
Synonyms of clericnext
: a member of the clergy

Synonyms of cleric

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Examples of cleric in a Sentence

clerics were sharply divided on the issue of whether the war was morally justified
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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.
For the same reasons little dogs appeared so frequently at the feet of dead women (and clerics) in tomb sculpture, plenty of Renaissance portraits feature them as a symbol of fidelity. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026 Oddly enough, Iran and Afghanistan, both ruled by clerics, are the only countries in the world that still regularly stage public executions. — Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2026 The lawmaker, Hamid Rasaei, a cleric who has regularly lashed out at Iran’s negotiating team, is a member of the ultra-hard-line political party Paydari. — Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026 Yes, those of us who are both excited and nervous about the promise of AI welcome the prospect of kings and clerics and populist politicians alike standing up to the tech lords — who, frankly, could use some perspectives other than their own. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cleric

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin clericus

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleric was in 1611

Rhymes for cleric

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Browse Nearby Words

clergywoman
cleric
clerical
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Cite this Entry

“Cleric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleric. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cleric

noun
cler·​ic ˈkler-ik How to pronounce cleric (audio)
: a member of the clergy
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