as in church
the group ordained to perform clerical functions in the Christian church
when people find out she's a member of the clergy, they suddenly change their manner
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Recent Examples of clergy
Members of the clergy arrive to attend Mass.Julien De Rosa / AFP - Getty Images
The robes worn during the morning mass were crafted by French fashion designer Jean-Charles Castelbajac and bore his signature style, boasting bold primary colors to convey the joy of the the day’s service.
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Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 8 Dec. 2024
These holy men are senior clergy members appointed by the pope to the Sacred College of Cardinals, but their ambitions can bring out their devilish instincts.
—Eric Andersson, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024
Charbel and his younger brother, Elias, had decorated a small Christmas tree in the corner and were now tucking into baklava as members of the local clergy came in to see the newborn baby.
—Euan Ward, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024
However, clergy typically must pay self-employment taxes, which include Social Security and Medicare, unless an exemption has been approved by the IRS.
—Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clergy 
Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 8 Dec. 2024
These holy men are senior clergy members appointed by the pope to the Sacred College of Cardinals, but their ambitions can bring out their devilish instincts.
—Eric Andersson, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024
Charbel and his younger brother, Elias, had decorated a small Christmas tree in the corner and were now tucking into baklava as members of the local clergy came in to see the newborn baby.
—Euan Ward, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2024
However, clergy typically must pay self-employment taxes, which include Social Security and Medicare, unless an exemption has been approved by the IRS.
—Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clergy
Thesaurus Entries Near clergy
Cite this Entry
“Clergy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clergy. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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