priesthood

noun

ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce priesthood (audio)
Definition of priesthoodnext
as in aristocracy
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class a gathering of Mafia dons that was in effect a convocation of the nation's priesthood of organized crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 priesthood Cosmetics in 2004 but left in 2019, is sharing a glimpse into his spiritual journey to priesthood. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026 Listen to the full episode to hear Misti get into the real solutions being researched right now, including ritualistic atomic priesthood, songs, and stories. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026 George Gross, an expert on theology and the monarchy at King’s College London, said Monday's meeting was historic, particularly given the Vatican doesn't recognize the female priesthood. — ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 Historic meeting follows king’s visit George Gross, an expert on theology and the monarchy at King’s College London, said Monday’s meeting was historic, particularly given the Vatican doesn’t recognize the female priesthood. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for priesthood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for priesthood
  1. aristocracy
  2. elite
  3. best
  4. elect
  5. society
Noun
  • Orangeries, once a status symbol for European aristocracy, are a glamorous accoutrement in large town or country houses.
    — Zoë Dare Hall, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • At last, Jones also thought, there was a chance to spotlight the dynamic between North Wales‘ working-class community and its aristocracy on the big screen, a corner of Britain’s social history that has long been sidelined.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026
Definition of aristocracy
Noun
  • That initial ruling also triggered a furious response from her nationalist allies at home and abroad, feeding an anti-establishment narrative of an elite conspiring to shut them out.
    — Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • While the elite pick up their paddles after a vampiric rest in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, 87% of Americans (out of 5,000 surveyed in December 2025) believe the country is in a crisis because of its unaffordability.
    — Hunter Lacey, Allure, 7 July 2026
Definition of elite
Noun
  • The longer races are brutally hard, but Kerstin loves helping other runners pursue their personal bests.
    — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • The most productive game of his career came in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, with personal bests of 157 yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
Definition of best
Noun
  • But his situation is actually fairly complicated, in part because of how the Hall of Fame elects candidates.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • Lyons had joined Fiserv that January as president and CEO-elect.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2026
Definition of elect
Noun
  • What begins as a history play transforms into a sharp-eyed satire about the cost of assimilation in a society where money, power and white privilege remain stubbornly intertwined.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • This transition caused society to contend with both the benefits and dangers of our new technology.
    — Will Marshall, Time, 7 July 2026
Definition of society

Browse Nearby Words

priestesses
priesthood
priesthoods
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on priesthood

Nglish: Translation of priesthood for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about priesthood

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