priesthood

noun

ˈprēst-ˌhu̇d How to pronounce priesthood (audio)
Definition of priesthoodnext
as in aristocracy
individuals carefully selected as being the best of a class a gathering of Mafia dons that was in effect a convocation of the nation's priesthood of organized crime

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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 priesthood Historic meeting follows king’s visit George Gross, an expert on theology and the monarchy at King’s College London, said Monday’s meeting was historic, particularly given the Vatican doesn’t recognize the female priesthood. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2026 Listen to the full episode to hear Misti get into the real solutions being researched right now, including ritualistic atomic priesthood, songs, and stories. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026 Apostles are all men in accordance with the church's all-male priesthood. — CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025 Apostles are all men in accordance with the church’s all-male priesthood. — Hannah Schoenbaum, Fortune, 27 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for priesthood
Recent Examples of Synonyms for priesthood
  1. aristocracy
  2. elite
  3. best
  4. elect
  5. society
Noun
  • Of course, one entertainer who isn’t in that category would seem to be a natural fit for Arrowhead — the one who has married into Kansas City’s aristocracy.
    — Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The ‘Baronessa’ was Venetian aristocracy and lived in a vast rococo palace with Guardis and Canalettos in the drawing room.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of aristocracy
Noun
  • Meanwhile, new Gallup research suggested the technology’s benefits have largely been concentrated among elites.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Voters should select their candidates instead of the elites who spend millions of dollars to place their preferred candidates in office.
    — Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of elite
Noun
  • Pugh’s performance is a master class in physicality and flair, one of her career bests.
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But for the second straight week, Kelce had game-bests in receptions and receiving yards as the Chiefs beat the Colts 33-30 in overtime Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of best
Noun
  • The first meeting was in November of last year at the White House, when Mamdani was mayor elect, and the second was in February, also at the White House.
    — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The governor-elect faced a fight over removing Nick Balletto, who had initially been dismissive of Lamont as a candidate, as the Democratic state chair.
    — Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of elect
Noun
  • Unsurprisingly, Altman, 41, is a true believer in the society-changing potential of AI.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • And while The Atlantic has published largely skeptical coverage of major AI companies and their products’ impact on society, Thompson’s tone, in his podcasts and LinkedIn posts, has been more optimistic.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of society

Browse Nearby Words

priestesses
priesthood
priesthoods
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Cite this Entry

“Priesthood.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/priesthood. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on priesthood

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about priesthood

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