PRIESTLY Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

priestly

adjective

ˈprēst-lē

Definition of priestly

as in ministerial

of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy majestically robed in priestly garments

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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 priestly The sentiment feels strangely heavy-handed, conveyed through priestly monologues, Biblical parallels, and goblin-like snarls that pop up across the board. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 28 May 2026 In a set of photos that's sweeping the internet, Pope Leo was well and truly seen in a pair of Nike sneakers, paired with his traditional, priestly robes. — Chiara Da Col, Vanity Fair, 9 May 2026 On Sunday, the Jewish priestly blessing at the Western Wall -- normally attended by tens of thousands -- was limited to just 50 people. — Arkansas Online, 6 Apr. 2026 On Sunday, the Jewish priestly blessing at the Western Wall — normally attended by tens of thousands — was limited to 50 people. — Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for priestly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for priestly

Adjective

Not to mention the loss of face this suspension would cause his father, who also worked for the Kuomintang and who’d laid his ministerial connections on the line to make his son’s American education possible.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
The ministerial meeting primarily addressed mass-market, peer-to-peer resale platforms and open classified sites handling massive volumes of uncurated, low-cost goods, de Coutard says.

— Sophie Lou Wilson, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of ministerial

Adjective

His retreat to pastoral family life was a necessary step in reconnecting with his own musical talents.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2026
In today’s commercial age of plenty, the most important task of the dust jacket is to match a book to your mood, from the pastoral watercolor tones of the travel narrative or cosy domestic romance, to the dark hues of the murder mystery.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of pastoral

Adjective

The district’s Digital Teaching and Learning team is reviewing its online catalogs to identify and correct potential clerical errors, Jonas said.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026
Sabti, who was born in Tehran, said the clerical regime in the capital Tehran does not exercise solid control over the provinces, which resembles parts of South America where some governments lost sovereignty to militias.

— Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of clerical

Browse Nearby Words

priestliness

priestly

priests

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“Priestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/priestly. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of priestly

adjective

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