Synonyms for

Priests

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

Definition

noun: men who have been ordained to perform religious duties, especially within certain Christian churches

Synonyms & similar words

nonchristianpriest priest clergy ministers pastors clergymen churchmen vicars rectors preachers bishops cardinals ecclesiastics divines reverends fathers pontiffs

Synonyms by register

Formal

clergy ecclesiastic minister cleric

Informal

padre parson preacher sky pilot

Literary

oracle pontiff hierophant

Antonyms

layperson nonbeliever atheist agnostic skeptic outsider

Common collocations

  • high priest
  • chief priest
  • ordained priest
  • Catholic priest
  • Anglican priest
  • priest and bishop
  • priest in charge

Word family

noun priest
verb priest
adjective priestly

Usage note

While 'priest' is a general term, specific religious traditions may have their own titles for religious leaders. The verb 'to priest' is rare and refers to the act of ordaining someone as a priest.

Example sentences

  1. The priests conducted a baptism ceremony.
  2. The priests wore robes and collars.
  3. The priests prayed for the sick.
  4. The priests gave sermons on Sundays.
  5. The priests blessed the congregation.

Quotes

  • A priest is he who lives solely in the presence of the gods, and is freed and set at liberty from all human affairs. - Plutarch
  • The priest is the representative of Christ, the priest is the representative of the people. - John Henry Newman
  • It is a sin to believe evil of others, but it is seldom a mistake. - H. L. Mencken

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