ecclesiastical

adjective

i-ˌklē-zē-ˈa-sti-kəl How to pronounce ecclesiastical (audio)
Definition of ecclesiasticalnext
as in ecclesiastic
of or relating to a church ecclesiastical laws that have been in existence for centuries

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 ecclesiastical In the early 1500s, an unknown wealthy patron is said to have commissioned Leonardo da Vinci to produce the Salvator Mundi, a striking ecclesiastical masterpiece in which Jesus is shown blessing humanity with his right hand while holding an orb representing the Earth in his left. — Brian Klaas, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025 She has been recognized multiple times for her age, including: Jan. 2, 2022 – Oldest Brazilian ecclesiastical person ever. — Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025 In the 16th century, Rabelais furnished his novels with long lists of books, using the titles to satirize ecclesiastical libraries, the clergy, and religion in general. — Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 Hint #3: Wednesday's answer has ecclesiastical connections. — Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ecclesiastical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ecclesiastical
  1. ecclesiastic
  2. religious
  3. papal
Adjective
  • Forbidden passion fueled the plot of The Thorn Birds in which the late Richard Chamberlain, played the priest Ralph de Bricassart, a heartthrob in ecclesiastic wear.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Forget Fleabag, Conclave, Nobody Wants This, or Ramy, there’s a new ecclesiastic bombshell on the block.
    — Riann Phillip, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025
Definition of ecclesiastic
Adjective
  • With Ramadan now a season of cultural significance beyond religious observance, its musical phenomenon continues to evolve, marking a unique space where nostalgia, innovation and commercial success intersect.
    — Hala Mustafa, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Despite hailing from a historically apolitical and publicity-avoidant religious community, the Amish farmer has turned into a kind of folk hero among MAGA Republicans — and a symbol of the political right’s growing thirst for raw milk.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of religious
Adjective
  • Because an employee is not eligible for unemployment benefits if he was fired for misconduct, a state doesn’t want to have to consult papal doctrine, for example, to determine if a priest was legitimately terminated.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025
  • His discharge comes after 38 days of medical ups and downs that raised the prospect of a papal resignation or funeral.
    — Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of papal

Browse Nearby Words

ecclesiastic
ecclesiastical
ecclesiastics
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Cite this Entry

“Ecclesiastical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ecclesiastical. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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