PRIESTLY Synonyms: 34 Similar and Opposite Words

priestly

adjective

ˈprēst-lē

Definition of priestly

as in ministerial

of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy majestically robed in priestly garments

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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.

Recent Examples of priestly In a set of photos that's sweeping the internet, Pope Leo was well and truly seen in a pair of Nike sneakers, paired with his traditional, priestly robes. — Chiara Da Col, Vanity Fair, 9 May 2026 On Sunday, the Jewish priestly blessing at the Western Wall -- normally attended by tens of thousands -- was limited to just 50 people. — Arkansas Online, 6 Apr. 2026 On Sunday, the Jewish priestly blessing at the Western Wall — normally attended by tens of thousands — was limited to 50 people. — Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026 That religious significance helps explain the presence of so many priestly and temple-related inscriptions among the fragments. — Ryan Brennan april 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for priestly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for priestly

Adjective

France and Saudi Arabia have formed a task force on energy and logistics connections between the Middle East and Europe that is scheduled to meet at the ministerial level Monday.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Aug. 2026
In 2002, the FA was forced to change the name of the competition by the Charity Commission — the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales.

— Colin Millar, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of ministerial

Adjective

There are mental health resources, risk management programs, and chapter chaplains who provide real pastoral support.

— Todd Buchanan, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Engineer Tim Goldstone mixed the album in the English countryside, with the band hanging out in the pastoral setting of Ridge Farm Studio, where the Smiths had recorded Meat Is Murder.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of pastoral

Adjective

The best family offices do not treat trust administration as clerical work.

— Michael Gold CFP, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Critics of Iran's clerical rulers hoped initially that Iran's government would collapse amid a bombing campaign that killed Iran's most senior military and religious officials, including its supreme leader.

— Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of clerical

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priestliness

priestly

priests

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“Priestly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/priestly. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of priestly

adjective

Example Sentences

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