Synonyms for

Clergy

Verb / 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.

Example sentences

  1. The clergy led the church service on Sunday.
  2. My grandfather was a member of the clergy.
  3. The bishop ordained new members into the clergy.
  4. The clergy provided comfort to the grieving family.
  5. The clergy visited the sick and elderly in the community.

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