cleric

noun

cler·​ic ˈkler-ik How to pronounce cleric (audio)
ˈkle-rik
Synonyms of clericnext
: a member of the clergy

Synonyms of cleric

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Examples of cleric in a Sentence

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.
The cleric’s funeral was attended by about 10 million people. — USA Today, 19 May 2026 In northern Bavaria sits Bamberg, a charming place with a beer story that dates to a medieval cleric who ordered townsfolk be given a free brew on the day of his death. — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 10 June 2026 The procession will move to Qom, a stronghold of many senior Shiite clerics, and then to Mashhad, Khamenei’s birthplace. — Munir Ahmed, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026 Revolutionary Guard members and clerics mourn on the esplanade of the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla mosque. — Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cleric

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin clericus

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleric was in 1611

Rhymes for cleric

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Browse Nearby Words

clergywoman
cleric
clerical
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Cite this Entry

“Cleric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleric. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cleric

noun
cler·​ic ˈkler-ik How to pronounce cleric (audio)
: a member of the clergy

More from Merriam-Webster on cleric

Nglish: Translation of cleric for Spanish Speakers

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