Synonyms for

Ecclesiastical

Verb / ɪˌkli:zi:ˈæstɪkʌl / Another word for ecclesiastical — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

relating to the Christian Church or its clergy

Synonyms & similar words

ecclesiastic religious churchly clerical papal hierarchical pontifical canonical liturgical spiritual sacred divine priestly ministerial parochial diocesan episcopal pastoral prelatic monastic theological

Synonyms by register

Formal

clerical religious churchly ministerial

Literary

sacred divine hallowed

Antonyms

secular lay nonreligious profane mundane worldly irreligious

Common collocations

  • ecclesiastical law
  • ecclesiastical court
  • ecclesiastical history
  • ecclesiastical vestments
  • ecclesiastical authority
  • ecclesiastical hierarchy
  • ecclesiastical council

Word family

noun ecclesiastic
adverb ecclesiastically

Usage note

This word specifically refers to matters relating to the Christian Church or its clergy. It is a formal term and should not be confused with 'eclectic', which means diverse or varied.

Example sentences

  1. The bishop wore his ecclesiastical robes.
  2. The ecclesiastical council met to discuss church matters.
  3. The cathedral is an ecclesiastical building.
  4. The priest gave an ecclesiastical blessing.
  5. The ecclesiastical hierarchy governs the church.

Quotes

  • The ecclesiastical power in England, in the Middle Ages, extending as it did over laymen too, was in itself a great tyranny.
  • Ecclesiastical history supplies us with many instances of men who have seen clearer than their neighbours.
  • The ecclesiastical establishments of Europe which serve to uphold the great fabric of the Christian religion are no longer safe.

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