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
The event, which drew roughly 80 clergy and laity from across the Central Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Arkansas, was held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Conway.
—
Frank E. Lockwood, Arkansas Online, 2 Sep. 2023
From this perspective, halachah is a partnership between the laity and the rabbinate, with the laity playing a critical role in the halachic process.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2022
The Vatican's laity office cracked down on the largely unregulated world of international associations of the faithful after some cases of abuses of authority and bad governance had been reported.
—Nicole Winfield, Star Tribune, 11 June 2021
And concerning public policy, the laity plays a crucial role in deciphering situations and conditions and helping apply them to halachah.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2022
See all Example Sentences for laity 
Frank E. Lockwood, Arkansas Online, 2 Sep. 2023
From this perspective, halachah is a partnership between the laity and the rabbinate, with the laity playing a critical role in the halachic process.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2022
The Vatican's laity office cracked down on the largely unregulated world of international associations of the faithful after some cases of abuses of authority and bad governance had been reported.
—Nicole Winfield, Star Tribune, 11 June 2021
And concerning public policy, the laity plays a crucial role in deciphering situations and conditions and helping apply them to halachah.
—Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2022
See all Example Sentences for laity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laity
Noun
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Each of the church’s clergy members hugged Brandon, and the congregants raised their hands toward him in a show of support.—
Ellen Moynihan,
New York Daily News,
25 Jan. 2025
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The allegations claim the Riveras did not intervene and instead pressured Jane Doe to stay silent, prioritizing the church's reputation over addressing the abuse.—
John Yoo and John Shu,
Newsweek,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The parish is about a 30-mile drive northwest from New Orleans.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
21 Jan. 2025
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North Shore parishes noted population increases, as well as East and West Baton Rouge, Calcasieu and Bossier parishes.—
Chelsea Brasted,
Axios,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In Los Angeles, Reverend Maria Elena Montalvo of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church said her congregation has provided sanctuary for immigrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers since 2016.—
John Yoo and John Shu,
Newsweek,
23 Jan. 2025
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In retirement, the grandfather of four found joy in taking walks at sunrise around the Rose Bowl, watching his beloved San Francisco 49ers and serving as head deacon of his congregation at Weller Street Baptist Church, his daughter said.—
Matthew Ormseth,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near laity
Cite this Entry
“Laity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laity. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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