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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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 church The suit alleges the city violated RLUIPA and the church’s First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly and the free exercise of religion. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025 The email was sent in response to a plan by the city of Fort Worth to rezone 23 properties owned by the district to make sure they can only be used for community facilities such as schools, colleges, churches, recreational centers and group homes. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Feb. 2025 His Spanish services are uncommon for the church’s denomination. Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 27 Feb. 2025 That church was opened around 1871 so could give some sort of idea around when it was built. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for church
Recent Examples of Synonyms for church
Noun
  • Also opening this year is the Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho, a 200-year-old historic Maharaja’s palace adjacent to Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve, and also very close to the iconic Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a large array of 1100 year old monuments.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The quarrel swiftly escalated when Perez allegedly struck her twice on the left side of her temple and pulled her hair.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The grants could be a lifeline for Black churches struggling with dwindling congregations, a lack of resources and aging infrastructures, said Jason Williams, professor of Justice Studies at Montclair State University in New Jersey.
    Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The congregation doesn’t have a permanent home, instead renting a modest brick church along a busy road near University of the Pacific.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Many end up in caring professions like nurses, therapists, or members of the clergy.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • New churches build their own capacity, gain independence and then send off clergy and members to start more churches.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Ben Lesser first spoke to SFC 5th graders, then middle and high school students during Santa Fe Christian’s recent chapel, and returned the next day to speak to their parents.
    Dawn Giangiulio, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The 19th-century chapel has been restored and is a perfect wedding venue.
    Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Winners will be selected by April 15—the day the fire tore through the cathedral in 2019—and are prohibited from selling, gifting, or trading the stones.
    Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The cathedral is hosting a Bach-a-thon with musicians performing all the works of Johann Sebastian Bach — the party goes until 1 a.m. Subscribe to continue reading this article.
    Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register, 3 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 13 Mar. 2025.

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