as in church
the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church
when people find out she's a member of the clergy, they suddenly change their manner
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Recent Examples of clergy
Leo’s decision to restore the prominent place of priests during the ritual is both a return to tradition and a gesture consistent with what seems to be his effort to encourage Catholic clergy and reinforce his appreciation of their service.
—
ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
The Church of the Holy Speluchre has historically remained open to clergy even during major crises, including past wars and pandemics, making Palm Sunday’s restriction a rare flashpoint in already strained relations between Israel and the Vatican.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2026
William joked about the difficulty of navigating the vast spaces of Lambeth Palace, while Kate spoke about the gardens, emphasizing their role as spaces of reflection and tranquility for clergy and visitors.
—Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
Its origins stem from a misunderstood reference to Harold’s fleet being sent home in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, an account of key events written in old English by clergy of the time.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clergy
ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
The Church of the Holy Speluchre has historically remained open to clergy even during major crises, including past wars and pandemics, making Palm Sunday’s restriction a rare flashpoint in already strained relations between Israel and the Vatican.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2026
William joked about the difficulty of navigating the vast spaces of Lambeth Palace, while Kate spoke about the gardens, emphasizing their role as spaces of reflection and tranquility for clergy and visitors.
—Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
Its origins stem from a misunderstood reference to Harold’s fleet being sent home in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, an account of key events written in old English by clergy of the time.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clergy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clergy
Noun
-
No services tonight due to a fire at the church building.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Since then, the case has been tied up in court as Morris and the church attempt to agree on an arbitrator.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The diaconate represents the Church’s third degree of holy orders, below the presbyterate, or priests, and episcopate, or bishops.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
5 Dec. 2025
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Vatican observers have long speculated that Francis saw Prevost as a potential successor, especially given his rapid rise and central role in shaping the modern episcopate.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clergy. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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