as in missioner
a person who is sent especially to a foreign country to do religious work (such as converting people to the religion or ministering to the sick)
The missionaries sent to the island were ultimately unsuccessful in converting the native residents.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in apostolic
relating to missionaries or their work
The church organizes missionary trips to a variety of countries.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of missionary
Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
At the same time, his background as a missionary and later as a bishop in Peru amplifies his concern for the poor and his views on social justice.
—Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Abigail Adams, People.com, 14 May 2025
That background appears to have figured in the cardinals’ deliberations during the conclave, since missionary outreach was a key element of Francis’ vision.
—Patricia Mazzei, New York Times, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for missionary
Noun
Chicago Tribune The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary, elected in a 24-hour conclave last week, called for journalists to use words for peace, to reject war and to give voice to the voiceless.
—Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
At the same time, his background as a missionary and later as a bishop in Peru amplifies his concern for the poor and his views on social justice.
—Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
Pope Leo was born in Chicago and gained missionary experience in Peru before serving as the bishop of the city of Chiclayo.
—Abigail Adams, People.com, 14 May 2025
That background appears to have figured in the cardinals’ deliberations during the conclave, since missionary outreach was a key element of Francis’ vision.
—Patricia Mazzei, New York Times, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for missionary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for missionary
Noun
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Kelley Hudlow, missioner for clergy formation for the diocese, told NBC affiliate WVTM of Birmingham soon after the shooting that church leaders were trying to learn more.—
Phil Helsel,
NBC News,
17 June 2022
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Eby will continue to serve as outreach missioner at the Church of the Nativity and as priest-in-charge at St. Timothy’s Church in Athens.—
al,
al,
1 Dec. 2020
Adjective
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In 2014, he was named apostolic administrator and then bishop of Chiclayo, in northern Peru.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
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Brothers of Pope Leo XIV share their reactions 01:43 In Peru, Leo served as a missionary and taught canon law and was later appointed apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo and later the bishop of Chiclayo.—
Elizabeth Robinson,
NBC news,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Unlike earlier immigration marches this week, the No Kings protests are organized to counter the June 14 military parade in D.C., which includes tanks, military vehicles and thousands of soldiers.—
Bethany Wales,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2025
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The last section includes 250 new recruits or soldiers who are reenlisting.—
Tara Copp,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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Hagee on importance of evangelical vote for Israel, says Trump stands with Jewish state Pastor John Hagee, Founder and Chairman of Christians United for Israel, offered prescient words ahead of Israel’s preemptive attack on Iran.—
Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2025
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Still, three months into Trump's second term, white evangelical protestants were some of his staunchest supporters, according to Pew Research Center think tank, which suggested 72 percent approved of Trump's handling of the presidency.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 June 2025
Noun
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On Friday, May 3, 1337, Anglican priest John Forde began a walk along downtown London’s Cheapside street after vespers (evening prayers) shortly before sunset.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
6 June 2025
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But as the abuse scandal spread globally during Francis’ 12-year pontificate, the commission lost its influence and its crowning recommendation — the creation of a tribunal to judge bishops who covered up for predator priests — went nowhere.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Leeds was first mentioned in the 8th century by Saint Bede, a monk who recorded much of what historians know about the early history of the British Isles.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
24 May 2025
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Before Francis, the last pope from a religious order was Gregory XVI, a Benedictine Camaldolese monk who was pope from 1831 to 1846, according to America magazine, a Jesuit publication.—
Erik Ortiz,
NBC news,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Missionary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/missionary. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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