CLERIC Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

cleric

noun

ˈkler-ik

Definition of cleric

as in priest

a person specially trained and authorized to conduct religious services in a Christian church 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.

Recent Examples of cleric Funeral ceremonies are expected to begin in Tehran and move to Qom, a stronghold of many senior Shiite clerics, then to Mashhad, Khamenei's birthplace. — ABC News, 13 June 2026 The funeral ceremonies for Khamenei are expected to begin in Tehran, and the procession will move to Qom, a stronghold of many senior Shiite clerics, and then to Mashhad, his birthplace. — Munir Ahmed, Fortune, 11 June 2026 In 1994 Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was also a cleric with the rank of ayatollah, issued a fatwa forbidding the practice of self-flagellation. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026 The current spiritual leader is Ayatollah Mahdi Mirbaqiri, a highly influential senior cleric who was once seen as a possible candidate for Supreme Leader. — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cleric

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleric

Noun

In places such as Taiwan, Daoist priests can be seen today conducting rituals at community temples and annual festivals.

— Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
At the moment the priest elevated the host during the consecration — the most sacred moment of the Catholic Mass, when Catholics believe bread becomes the body of Christ — thunder cracked loudly overhead.

— Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026

Definition of priest

Noun

The dynamic duo of Jonda Valentine, an artist and daughter of a Pentecostal preacher, and her longtime friend Christa Suppan, who started as a bartender when Lipstick first opened, share co-ownership of the two bars.

— Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 July 2026
The street preacher asks if someone could be cited if a transgender person is offended if they are misgendered by another person.

— Emily Holshouser July 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2026

Definition of preacher

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clergywomen

cleric

clerical

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“Cleric.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleric. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of cleric

noun

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