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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Recent Examples of laity
But the next pope will also lead a U.S. laity with some differences within it.
—
Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 7 May 2025
Kevin Cardinal Farrell headed the Vatican’s family and laity office and is currently the one tasked with running the Holy See in the interval between a pope’s death and the election of the next one.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for laity
Anthony Salvanto, CBS News, 7 May 2025
Kevin Cardinal Farrell headed the Vatican’s family and laity office and is currently the one tasked with running the Holy See in the interval between a pope’s death and the election of the next one.
—Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for laity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laity
Noun
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Seemingly random bureaucratic obstacles impeded Gee’s formal conversion, leading her to feel unwanted by the church and, by extension, God.—
Terry Nguyen
July 23,
Literary Hub,
23 July 2025
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The group was offering a free concert at the church as part of a U.S. tour, St. Paul's said.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
Noun
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Worshipers are bringing the Good Word beyond church walls, hitting the beaches this summer. Beach Catholic of Long Island, New York, consists of three parishes hosting Mass near the sea every Sunday.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
20 July 2025
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Amid immigrant anxiety, Detroit's oldest Catholic parish gets new owner, $50M in support The event was organized by Strangers No Longer, a group of Catholics in Michigan with Michigan Circles of Support that advocates for immigrants.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Freep.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
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Within a month, the Church of United Spiritualists was up and running, meeting in Greenwall’s Opera House until the congregation could build its own place of worship.—
Richard Selcer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 July 2025
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Foulis lost to Joe Lloyd in the third U.S. Open, which was held at Chicago Golf Club in September 1897. 1982: The Wellington Avenue Church congregation voted to join the sanctuary movement — becoming just the second church in the United States to harbor refugees who entered the country illegally.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Laity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laity. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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