What is another word for clergy?

Common synonyms for clergy include laity.

What is the opposite of clergy?

Antonyms of clergy include laity, layperson, nonbeliever, secularist, atheist.

Synonyms for

Clergy

Noun / ˈklɜ:dʒi: / Another word for clergy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The body of people ordained for religious duties, especially in the Christian Church.

Synonyms & similar words

laity ministry priesthood pastorate clerics ecclesiastics churchmen divines preachers bishops priests vicars rectors deacons ministers pardons reverends fathers pastors

Synonyms by register

Formal

priesthood ministry ecclesiastics

Informal

church folk religious leaders

Literary

shepherds vicarage

Antonyms

laity layperson nonbeliever secularist atheist agnostic

Common collocations

ordained clergy
senior clergy
local clergy
members of the clergy
the clergy and laity
clergy members
clergy appointments

Word family

noun clergy

adjective clerical

Usage note

Clergy is a collective noun and is usually treated as plural (e.g., 'the clergy are meeting'). It refers to ordained ministers in general, not just priests.

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