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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of church
At least five churches, a synagogue, seven schools, two libraries, boutiques, bars, restaurants, banks and groceries were burned.
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John Seewer, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
However, the controversy fueled interest with churches booking out entire theaters for their congregants.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
The resignation came after The News asked Adams’ office late Thursday for comment about the fact that Bernard, who leads the city’s largest evangelical church, maintains a residency on Long Island.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025
When Fall Is Coming In her cottage in Burgundy, where the leaves are turning russet and the woods studded with wild mushrooms are full of wild fruits, elderly Michelle (Hélène Vincent) tends her garden, goes to church and supports her best friend (Josiane Balasko), whose son is in prison.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for church 
John Seewer, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
However, the controversy fueled interest with churches booking out entire theaters for their congregants.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
The resignation came after The News asked Adams’ office late Thursday for comment about the fact that Bernard, who leads the city’s largest evangelical church, maintains a residency on Long Island.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025
When Fall Is Coming In her cottage in Burgundy, where the leaves are turning russet and the woods studded with wild mushrooms are full of wild fruits, elderly Michelle (Hélène Vincent) tends her garden, goes to church and supports her best friend (Josiane Balasko), whose son is in prison.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for church
Recent Examples of Synonyms for church
Noun
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At least six people were killed and 35 injured in a stampede near one of India’s busiest and richest temples, after thousands of devout Hindus assembled there to secure free visit passes, authorities said Thursday.Reuters, NBC News, 9 Jan. 2025
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Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center Torah scrolls were saved, but the temple and center were destroyed for a community that has called Pasadena home for more than 100 years.Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The congregation, like so many, has shrunk over the years.Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
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Importantly, many congregations are also home to Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step meetings.Sarah Ventre, NPR, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Television reporters, judges and clergy have fallen several places, while auto mechanics have moved up.Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
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His father convinced church leaders to keep quiet and promised Alger would never work in the clergy again.Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The bunker also houses, behind 23-ton blast doors, a power plant, water supply, food stores, a health clinic, a barber shop, and a chapel.Bruce Finley, The Denver Post, 3 Jan. 2025
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But his most ambitious commission—and in the end, his most important—is an 850,000-square-foot community center in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with an extensive program that includes an auditorium, gym, and, ironically, a Christian chapel.Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Image Christmas mass at Notre Dame in Paris, the first time Christmas mass was celebrated in the cathedral since the fire in 2019.Keith Bedford, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024
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While his father is a stained glass procurement specialist who restores stained glass windows for cathedrals and churches around the world, his mother is a painter and a lecturer in sociology and psychology.Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The history of the concert hall goes back to over a century ago when it was first constructed as a tabernacle for religious gatherings.Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 8 Jan. 2024
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The demand of the people, of the families, of the fallen, must permeate here, must be reflected from here, must become a decree engraved on the walls of this tabernacle.David Isaac, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near church
Cite this Entry
“Church.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/church. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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