Synonyms for

Preach

Verb / pri:tʃ / Another word for preach — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to give a religious talk or lesson, especially in a church

Synonyms & similar words

advocate prophesy teach lecture sermonize evangelize proselytize advocate exhort edify instruct propagate promulgate propound espouse urge counsel guide direct enlighten inoculate indoctrinate

Synonyms by register

Formal

lecture admonish exhort indoctrinate

Informal

pontificate hold forth give a sermon sound off

Literary

prophesy enlighten edify

Antonyms

listen hear receive heed obey follow accept

Common collocations

  • preach to the choir
  • preach the gospel
  • preach a sermon
  • preach peace
  • preach tolerance
  • preach against
  • preach from the pulpit

Word family

noun preacher
verb preach
adjective preachy

Usage note

While 'preach' often refers to religious discourse, it can also be used informally to describe someone giving unsolicited advice or moralizing.

Example sentences

  1. The priest will preach to his congregation about the importance of kindness.
  2. My mom likes to preach about the benefits of eating vegetables.
  3. The minister will preach a sermon on courage.
  4. The pastor preaches every Sunday at the church.
  5. The rabbi will preach about the meaning of Hanukkah.

Quotes

  • If your actions don't preach, your words won't either.
  • It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection.
  • Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words