1
as in temples
a building for public worship and especially Christian worship
a city that is noted for its many historic churches
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in congregations
a body of persons gathered for religious worship
spoke to the whole church at once
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in clergies
the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church
a time when few young men seem to want to join the church
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of churches
Hong Kong — A pastor who founded one of China’s most prominent underground churches has been released from prison and reunited with his family in the United States, his daughter told CNN.
—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
5 July 2026
The Zion Church is among the largest churches that are unregistered with the Chinese authorities, defying restrictions from the officially atheist Communist Party requiring believers to worship only in registered congregations.
—
ABC News,
4 July 2026
The massive wildfire killed 12 people, destroyed nearly 7,000 structures and gutted businesses, churches and schools.
—
Daily News,
4 July 2026
It is also told through families, workers, immigrants, entrepreneurs, churches, communities, and quiet acts of sacrifice that rarely make history books but shape the nation just the same.
—
Phil Kafarakis,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
Of course, Oaxaca's appeal also extends beyond the plate, with colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, centuries-old churches, and a flourishing art scene.
—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
4 July 2026
The latest edition of the nomadic European biennial unfolds this year across four cities—Duisburg, Essen, Gelsenkirchen, and Bochum—with 12 historic churches hosting site-specific installations.
—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
2 July 2026
That is why the churches call men and women who take to their knees as prayer warriors.
—
Lauren Green,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
Youth sports, just like schools and churches, are not just places where children compete, learn facts or practice their faith.
—
Megan Gandy,
The Conversation,
1 July 2026
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
5 July 2026
The Zion Church is among the largest churches that are unregistered with the Chinese authorities, defying restrictions from the officially atheist Communist Party requiring believers to worship only in registered congregations.
—
ABC News,
4 July 2026
The massive wildfire killed 12 people, destroyed nearly 7,000 structures and gutted businesses, churches and schools.
—
Daily News,
4 July 2026
It is also told through families, workers, immigrants, entrepreneurs, churches, communities, and quiet acts of sacrifice that rarely make history books but shape the nation just the same.
—
Phil Kafarakis,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
Of course, Oaxaca's appeal also extends beyond the plate, with colorful colonial architecture, bustling markets, centuries-old churches, and a flourishing art scene.
—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
4 July 2026
The latest edition of the nomadic European biennial unfolds this year across four cities—Duisburg, Essen, Gelsenkirchen, and Bochum—with 12 historic churches hosting site-specific installations.
—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
2 July 2026
That is why the churches call men and women who take to their knees as prayer warriors.
—
Lauren Green,
FOXNews.com,
2 July 2026
Youth sports, just like schools and churches, are not just places where children compete, learn facts or practice their faith.
—
Megan Gandy,
The Conversation,
1 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for churches
Noun
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Bhajans are a centuries-old form of devotional singing performed in temples, religious processions and community spaces across India, often free of charge.
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Still, many traditionalists don’t believe robotic elephants belong in temples.
Noun
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Both congregations identify as non-denominational, evangelical Christian churches.
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Leaders of major churches failed to report abusers to police or their congregations, the report said.
Noun
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AmaSofia’s spring 2026 debut brings 31 departures, including Christmas Markets cruises, when festive decorations transform old towns and cathedrals.
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Nations do not build cathedrals, win wars, or put things into orbit through a collection of talented individuals pursuing their own agendas.
Cite this Entry
“Churches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/churches. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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