Synonyms for

Papal

Verb / ˈpeɪpʌl / Another word for papal — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

related to the Pope or the office of Pope

Synonyms & similar words

apostolic pontifical apostolical pontifical papistic papistical papacy papisticality papality papism papalism papisticalness papalistic papalize apostolic episcopal hierarchal hierarchical hierocratic hierodulic hierurgical hierurgicalism pontifex

Synonyms by register

Formal

pontifical ecclesiastical apostolic

Literary

pontifical apostolic

Antonyms

secular lay nonreligious unspiritual irreligious worldly

Common collocations

  • papal authority
  • papal decree
  • papal nuncio
  • papal election
  • papal states
  • papal bull
  • papal visit

Word family

noun pope
adjective papal

Usage note

Papal refers specifically to the Pope or the Catholic Church hierarchy. It is a formal term and should not be confused with 'popular'.

Example sentences

  1. The papal tiara is a symbol of the Pope's authority.
  2. The papal conclave will elect the next Pope.
  3. The Vatican is the center of the papal administration.
  4. The papal nuncio is the Pope's ambassador to a foreign country.
  5. The papal audience was attended by thousands of people.

Quotes

  • The papal tiara is a jewel that is beyond price. - Pope Pius IX
  • The papal throne is not a political one. - Pope John Paul II
  • The papal court is the greatest court in the world. - St. Thomas Aquinas

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