Synonyms for

Preached

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

Definition

to deliver a sermon or religious address to an assembled group of people, typically in a church

Synonyms & similar words

advocate prophesy preach address sermonize discourse lecture talk speak pronounce proclaim evangelize missionize catechize propound expound elucidate interpret clarify explain

Synonyms by register

Formal

advocated expounded articulated proclaimed

Informal

lectured spouted pontificated gave a sermon

Literary

exhorted harangued apostrophized

Antonyms

silenced listened absorbed received kept quiet held back

Common collocations

  • preached the gospel
  • preached a sermon
  • preached to the choir
  • preached tolerance
  • preached peace
  • preached against
  • preached a message

Word family

noun preacher
verb preach
adjective preachy
adverb preachingly

Usage note

While 'preached' often refers to religious sermons, it can also mean to advocate strongly for a belief or course of action, sometimes with a negative connotation of being overly moralistic or didactic.

Example sentences

  1. The visiting pastor preached about the importance of kindness.
  2. My dad preached to me about the value of hard work.
  3. The priest preached a message of hope and love.
  4. The evangelist preached to the crowd about salvation.
  5. The minister preached a sermon about forgiveness and grace.

Quotes

  • 'Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.' - St. Francis of Assisi
  • 'I love the Lord, who listened to my voice in supplication, who turned an ear to me on the day I called.' - Psalm 116:1-2
  • 'Preaching is truth set on fire.' - Peter Lombard

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