clerical 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkler-i-kəl How to pronounce clerical (audio)
Definition of clericalnext
as in ministerial
of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy clerical duties such as providing spiritual counseling and leading Bible study classes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clerical

2 of 2

noun

as in priest
a person specially trained and authorized to conduct religious services in a Christian church some of the state's most prominent clericals have spoken out against the measure

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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 clerical
Adjective
The second chapel is that of his father, Iti, who held clerical jobs related to the administration of agricultural lands and offerings. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 8 Sep. 2026 If factories closed and clerical work was automated, a college degree would serve as insurance. — Alex Press, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2026 Bryce Eldridge was originally listed as the first baseman, a clerical error according to manager Tony Vitello, and perhaps the 6-foot-7 rookie would’ve had a better shot at making the pick. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2026 The best family offices do not treat trust administration as clerical work. — Michael Gold Cfp, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clerical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clerical
  1. ministerial
  2. priest
  3. pastoral
  4. preacher
  5. cleric
Adjective
  • France’s prime minister called an inter-ministerial crisis meeting for early afternoon to address the protests.
    — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • While Brazil and Saudi Arabia engaged via ministerial levels through Foreign Ministers Mauro Vieira and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the scope of the forum expanded dramatically during the partner and outreach dialogues.
    — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of ministerial
Noun
  • In the foreground of the painting rises a lone umbrella pine; at its base are the tiny figures of a priest and a young girl.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Trending Video At the time, Frederick and his husband, William, a priest, were living in church housing.
    — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of priest
Adjective
  • In that, the vinyl panel turns the 18th-century style on its head, becoming a subversive counterweight to its typically placid, pastoral energy.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Wafula said the role of pastoral ministers is especially important in the modern world, where political frictions often threaten peace in the community.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of pastoral
Noun
  • The film chronicled Gortner’s youth as a Pentecostal preacher in the American South and exposed the deceptive practices used to bilk believers out of their money.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In the halcyon days of the televangelists, when Jim Bakker stood shoulder to shoulder with fire and brimstone preachers such as Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and Jimmy Swaggart, the collection plate always seemed bottomless.
    — Steve Marble, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of preacher
Noun
  • Yes, those of us who are both excited and nervous about the promise of AI welcome the prospect of kings and clerics and populist politicians alike standing up to the tech lords — who, frankly, could use some perspectives other than their own.
    — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Also figuring prominently in the proceedings is the cleric’s acolyte Alyce (Thomasin McKenzie, Jojo Rabbit), a fictional character representing the many women who took part in the movement.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of cleric

Browse Nearby Words

cleric
clerical
clericals
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Cite this Entry

“Clerical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clerical. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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