FIRST ESTATE Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

first estate

noun

Definition of first estate

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

laity

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first estate

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

Noun

The broadcaster reported that more than a hundred people had gathered in and around the church for a funeral procession.

— Mohamad El Chamaa, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
At least seven people were killed, and 27 injured, after gunmen opened fire on a church in Jordan’s southern Karak province in an unprecedented attack that has left the nation stunned.

— Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 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

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“First estate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first%20estate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of first estate

noun

Example Sentences

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