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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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 Afterward, Elliott used a blank check to transfer money to his church, according to prosecutors. Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 11 Mar. 2025 Pope Francis briefed on world, church matters on 24th consecutive day in hospital: Vatican On Sunday, Francis released a text of his Angelus address -- his weekly address -- thanking the doctors and nurses who have been caring for him in the hospital. Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2025 Thunders and Nolan died less than a year apart in 1991 and 1992, and Kane was long retired from music and working at the Mormon church’s Family History Center in Los Angeles. Daniel Kreps, Andy Greene march 1, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025 His father and their churches could not immediately be reached for comment. Stepheny Price, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for church
Recent Examples of Synonyms for church
Noun
  • Riya awakens at the beginning with a nasty gash to her temple, having forgotten all that happened, but quickly clued into the still-volatile situation by the corpses of three of her fellow crew members: Kevin (Beulah Koale), Adhi (Iko Uwais) and Davis (Flying Lotus).
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
  • San Bernadino County Sheriff said in an advisory that deputies responded to the temple, which is located about 35 miles east of Los Angeles, just before 9:15 a.m. Saturday.
    James Powel, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Faith leaders worried congregations wouldn’t return, that the pandemic might spell a precipitous drop in an American religious life that was already becoming more secular.
    Jacob Turcotte, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Most American Jewish congregations say a prayer for the State of Israel every Shabbat.
    Yonat Shimron, NPR, 9 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Unlike a synod of bishops, this will be a unique gathering of bishops, clergy, monks, friars, nuns and lay men and women.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Yet, for a faith steeped in the veneration of the remains–or relics–of saints, St. Patrick’s relics have been debated by historians, archeologists, and the clergy for centuries.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The photo was taken in the private chapel of the pope's 10-floor apartment in Gemelli, according to the Holy See, the Vatican's press office.
    Phoebe Natanson, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The pope spent the morning in physiotherapy, followed Lenten spiritual exercises of the Roman curia and stopped to pray at the chapel in the Gemelli Hospital.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 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 19 Mar. 2025.

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