1
as in sermon
a public speech usually by a member of the clergy for the purpose of giving moral guidance or uplift
last Sunday's homily was about being kind to your neighbors
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2
as in cliche
an idea or expression that has been used by many people
a TV movie filled with the usual hokey homilies about people triumphing over life's adversities
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Recent Examples of homily
All those ornate empty buildings with men in robes waving smoke around elderly congregants, preaching homilies with references to activities as quaint as shepherding and sowing, and praying to dead saints whose miracles are now forgotten or considered dubious.
—
Belinda Luscombe, Time, 1 July 2025
Pope Leo ended his first homily by talking about his new role as the leader of a flock of over 1 billion Catholics, and his most profound prayer.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
But Parolin’s sceptics point to his lack of experience working at the church’s grassroots and his flat delivery of a homily at a Mass for around 200,000 young people in St Peter’s Square, the day after Francis’ funeral.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
During the homily at his inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo echoed an idea and a particular Bible verse from the document.
—Ruth Graham, New York Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for homily
Belinda Luscombe, Time, 1 July 2025
Pope Leo ended his first homily by talking about his new role as the leader of a flock of over 1 billion Catholics, and his most profound prayer.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
But Parolin’s sceptics point to his lack of experience working at the church’s grassroots and his flat delivery of a homily at a Mass for around 200,000 young people in St Peter’s Square, the day after Francis’ funeral.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
During the homily at his inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo echoed an idea and a particular Bible verse from the document.
—Ruth Graham, New York Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for homily
Recent Examples of Synonyms for homily
Noun
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On a Sunday during the trial, William Jennings Bryan preached a fire-and-brimstone sermon to an enormous crowd on the courthouse lawn.—
Ron Grossman,
Chicago Tribune,
13 July 2025
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Evangelist Justin Zhong with the church has since done a sermon discussing the recent coverage and attention the church has gotten.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
13 July 2025
Noun
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Bana embodies Kyle’s suffocating cliches with endearing commitment, his gravelly voice, gentle countenance, and steadfast capability combining to form a recognizable portrait of pride and suffering.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
17 July 2025
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And in a twist on the typical movie cliches, guess who plays the ditzy character this time?—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
17 July 2025
Noun
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Every week, there’s a new example of the upside-down logic at work in the White House: platitudes that say one thing, policies that portend another.—
Heidi Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
25 July 2025
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Walz seemed to agree but then retreated to platitudes.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
25 July 2025
Noun
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In response to these criticisms, colleges and universities have offered bromides – i.e., vague ideas intended to placate, not Bromo-Seltzer which is no longer available at CVS – about building industry or employer partnerships.—
Ryan Craig,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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The same rule applies for hearing bromides about chasing dreams and believing in yourself.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Noun
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Not necessarily the worst team, but just a season that was boring, devoid of news, etc. — Clint N. While there are a few contenders, the 2013 season stands alone for tedium and banality.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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The costuming choices reflected the banality of the tech elites, with a few flourishes, like the bright Polaris snowmobile jumpsuits and long underwear worn in one early scene.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
30 May 2025
Noun
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Never is a long time, and words can be meaningless, as the saying goes.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
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Now, the saying will help the Heart community share and continue her legacy.—
Abby Roedel,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Noun
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Practice creating and communicating narratives that balance today’s truisms with tomorrow’s opportunities.—
Camille Nicita,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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Comments Lovers of Little Women must always face some truisms — Beth will die; Jo will reject Laurie and choose the professor.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
11 June 2025
Noun
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The book’s prose is inspired by proverbs and sections from the Old Testament, as well as McConaughey’s own daydreams, nightmares and musings.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
26 June 2025
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It’s been codified as myths, proverbs, clichés, epigrams, parables; the skeleton of every great story.—
Jann E. Freed,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Homily.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/homily. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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