as in church
the people of a religion who are not priests, ministers, etc.
a member of the laity The laity has played an important role in the history of the church.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of laity
In a 2023 interview with Vatican News, the then-cardinal said the women had enriched the process and reaffirmed the need for the laity to have a greater role in the church.
—
Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Clergy and laity, faithful and curious, novice and veteran attendees all packed into the world's tiniest country to be a part of the historical moment.
—Daniel Burke, NPR, 8 May 2025
The pope reserves the right to make any member of the church a cardinal, including laity.
—Christopher Watson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
While in hospital, the pope signed off on a three-year reform process, including how to give greater roles to women in the Catholic Church, including ordaining them as deacons, and the greater inclusion of laity in governance and decision making.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for laity
Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025
Clergy and laity, faithful and curious, novice and veteran attendees all packed into the world's tiniest country to be a part of the historical moment.
—Daniel Burke, NPR, 8 May 2025
The pope reserves the right to make any member of the church a cardinal, including laity.
—Christopher Watson, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
While in hospital, the pope signed off on a three-year reform process, including how to give greater roles to women in the Catholic Church, including ordaining them as deacons, and the greater inclusion of laity in governance and decision making.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for laity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laity
Noun
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Mustain served at Preston Trail from 2019 to 2023, according to a statement on the church’s website.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 June 2025
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The church asks the court to declare and recognize its legal right to grow and use sacred plants, including marijuana, for religious reasons without the government interfering.—
Julia Marnin,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2025
Noun
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In March, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office took over all pending charges against Colbert from district courts in multiple parishes across Louisiana.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
30 May 2025
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There were more than a thousand priests and hundreds of parishes and parochial schools.—
Geraldo Cadava,
New Yorker,
22 May 2025
Noun
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The congregation of about 20 people frantically waved hand fans and watched as Jones performed the baptism.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 June 2025
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Former leaders of the Saints Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church, a 70-year-old congregation that was once a mansion belonging to Miami’s first mayor, have been ordered by a judge to vacate the property by Friday and open the doors to the Orthodox Church in America.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Laity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laity. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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