DIACONATE Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

diaconate

noun

Definition of diaconate

as in episcopate

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

laity

Example Sentences

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 diaconate Two commissions studying the question of women in the diaconate, keeping discernment alive even without doctrinal change. — Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025 During the liturgical celebration, seminarian William O’Donnell, 25, will be ordained to the transitional diaconate. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025 He was ordained to the diaconate in 1971 and to the priesthood in 1972. — Bryan Marquard, BostonGlobe.com, 3 Sep. 2023 The role of female deacons likely ended in the 12th Century when the diaconate became a steppingstone to the priesthood, Stanton said. — Susan Degrane, chicagotribune.com, 30 Mar. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for diaconate

Noun

The diaconate represents the Church’s third degree of holy orders, below the presbyterate, or priests, and episcopate, or bishops.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
Vatican observers have long speculated that Francis saw Prevost as a potential successor, especially given his rapid rise and central role in shaping the modern episcopate.

— Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

Definition of episcopate

Noun

Casa Carolina Hotel What was originally the presbytery of the Santa Catalina de Alejandría Cathedral is now one of Cartagena's newest boutique hotels, Casa Carolina.

— Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 2 Jan. 2026
Inside Brixworth Church The choir, or presbytery—the heart of the church—is separated from the nave by a large arch.

— David Nikel, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024

Definition of presbytery

Noun

For centuries, Bordeaux sat atop the wine world’s hierarchy, and knowledge of its wines was virtually synonymous with oenophilia.

— Jay McInerney, Air Mail, 17 Oct. 2026
The Argentina defender called out United's hierarchy over its offseason recruitment, with director of football Jason Wilcox the apparent target of his criticism.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of hierarchy

Noun

And now chaplaincy — beyond traditional worship spaces — is attracting more clergy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
In addition to punishing women who seek the priesthood, the Catholic Church has also sanctioned male clergy who support those ordinations.

— Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of clergy

Browse Nearby Words

diaconal

diaconate

diaconates

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Style

“Diaconate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/diaconate. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of diaconate

noun

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