Synonyms for

Sermon

Verb / ˈsɜ:mʌn / Another word for sermon — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one given during a church service.

Synonyms & similar words

discourse preaching homily address lecture speech discourse lesson talk oration preaching deliverance exhortation preachment lessonette doctrine teaching reading instruction lessoning edification instructional

Synonyms by register

Formal

discourse lecture address oration

Informal

talk spiel pep talk rant

Literary

exhortation homily

Antonyms

silence apathy indifference disregard neglect unconcern

Common collocations

  • deliver a sermon
  • give a sermon
  • church sermon
  • Sunday sermon
  • passionate sermon
  • short sermon
  • long sermon
  • preach a sermon

Word family

noun sermon
verb sermonize

Usage note

A sermon is typically a religious discourse. While it can be used metaphorically for a lecture or strong piece of advice, its primary association is with religious contexts.

Example sentences

  1. The sermon was about loving your neighbor as yourself.
  2. My mom likes to listen to sermons on the radio.
  3. The priest gave a great sermon on the importance of kindness.
  4. I fell asleep during the long sermon at church.
  5. The sermon inspired me to be a better person.

Quotes

  • The preacher's sermon was so powerful it brought many to tears.
  • A good sermon is an engineering operation by which a chasm is bridged so that the spiritual goods on one side—the congregation—can be transported to the other side—the divine.
  • A sermon should be like a woman's skirt: short enough to arouse interest but long enough to cover the essentials.

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