church

1
as in temple
a building for public worship and especially Christian worship a city that is noted for its many historic churches

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2
as in congregation
a body of persons gathered for religious worship spoke to the whole church at once

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3
as in clergy
the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church a time when few young men seem to want to join the church

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of church An Oklahoma man was arrested Thursday in connection with the fatal shooting of a Catholic priest at a church rectory in northeast Kansas, local police and church leaders said. Tim Hrenchir, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025 The property can only be used for churches, government buildings, schools, health facilities, or community centers. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Apr. 2025 Many others have found new life in Christ thanks to the witness of evangelical churches. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025 Since emerging, the group has successfully protected liquor stores, churches, shrines and residences from theft and vandalism, according to the Eagles of Antioch. Chris Massaro, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for church
Recent Examples of Synonyms for church
Noun
  • To the east of the temple, archaeologists found some ruins likely used as administrative buildings.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
  • If your forehead is wider, celebrity makeup artist Chelsea Roach suggests the sides of the temples, right above the bottom of the cheekbone, and underneath the jaw.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The video was shared with claims that the congregation was locked in the church as $40,000 was demanded in offerings.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Above all, Whitewater Bay was defined by its vast congregations of birds.
    Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • McCall said members of the clergy would begin to patrol the Stillwell station.
    Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Survivors who were abused by people in positions of authority such as clergy, educators and law enforcement — including correctional officers — may be even more reluctant to share their stories.
    Amanda Hernandez, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • A little later, the pair were walking through the gardens and into the chapel when Carlos finally got down on one knee.
    Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025
  • On Sunday, the Vatican released the first photo of Francis since his hospitalization, showing him at the chapel in Gemelli hospital.
    Max Foster, Christopher Lamb and Billy Stockwell, CNN, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Built in the 12th century, the cathedral features stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Yes’ 1972 masterpiece was already a cathedral of sound, but Rhino’s deluxe edition transforms it into a shimmering sonic temple.
    Darryn King, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The Blessed Sacrament Chapel’s tabernacle is supported by three legs, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.
    Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Wye Oak Tavern is located in what used to be the school's chapel, with soaring ceilings, stained glass, a tabernacle, and a sizable pipe organ.
    Madeline Weinfield, Travel + Leisure, 2 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Church.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/church. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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