Synonyms for

Priest

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

Definition

A person who has the authority to perform religious rituals and lead worship services.

Synonyms & similar words

nonchristianpriest clergyman minister pastor reverend preacher chaplain cleric ecclesiastic churchman shepherd father rabbi imam pandit guru prophet oracle sage

Synonyms by register

Formal

clergyman ecclesiastic minister pastor

Informal

padre parson preacher

Literary

shepherd confessor

Antonyms

layperson laity secularist atheist agnostic nonbeliever

Common collocations

  • ordained priest
  • high priest
  • Catholic priest
  • Anglican priest
  • priest in charge
  • priest's collar
  • acting priest

Word family

noun priest
verb priest
adjective priestly

Usage note

While 'priest' can refer to a religious leader in various faiths, it is most commonly associated with the ordained clergy in Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism. The verb form 'to priest' is rare and generally means to ordain someone as a priest.

Example sentences

  1. The priest blessed the newlyweds at their wedding ceremony.
  2. The Catholic priest hears confessions every Saturday.
  3. The priest delivered a powerful sermon on forgiveness.
  4. The priest led the funeral service for the deceased.
  5. The priest administered last rites to the dying man.

Quotes

  • The priest is Christ's slave, and Christ himself took the form of a slave. - Saint Dominic
  • The priesthood is a love with which one loves God, and with which one draws all to God. - Saint Jean-Marie Vianney
  • A priest is he who lives solely for the altar, and has nothing to do with the world. - Saint John Vianney

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