Cleric — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈkler-ik/ cler·ic

Meaning & Definition of Cleric

Cleric (noun)

  1. a member of the clergy

Cleric (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person specially trained and authorized to conduct religious services in a Christian church

    "clerics were sharply divided on the issue of whether the war was morally justified"

    similar: clergyperson, clerical, clerk, deacon, divine, dominie, ecclesiastic, minister, preacher, priest, reverend
    related: churchman, clergyman, father, Holy Joe (slang), padre, clergywoman, deaconess, priestess, abbot, archbishop, archpriest, bishop, dean, diocesan, monsignor, pope, prelate, presbyter, abbé, curate, curé, parson, pastor, rector, shepherd, vicar, chaplain, confessor, sky pilot, evangelist, missionary, missioner, missionizer, revivalist, friar, mendicant, monastic, monk, oblate, religious, high priest, high priestess
    opposite: layman, layperson, secular
    near: lay reader, lector

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Cleric

The most common words with a similar meaning to Cleric:

clergyperson, clerical, clerk, deacon, divine, dominie, ecclesiastic, minister, preacher, priest, reverend

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Cleric

Words with the opposite meaning of Cleric:

layman, layperson, secular

Related Words for Cleric

churchman, clergyman, father, Holy Joe, padre, clergywoman, deaconess, priestess, abbot, archbishop, archpriest, bishop, dean, diocesan, monsignor, pope, prelate, presbyter, abbé, curate, curé, parson, pastor, rector, shepherd, vicar, chaplain, confessor, sky pilot, evangelist

Near Antonyms of Cleric

lay reader, lector

Origin & Etymology of Cleric

Late Latin clericus

First known use: 1611

Frequently Asked Questions about Cleric

What does "Cleric" mean?

"Cleric" means a member of the clergy. As a noun, it is defined as: a member of the clergy.

What is another word for "Cleric"?

Other words for "Cleric" include clergyperson, clerical, clerk, deacon, divine, dominie, ecclesiastic and minister. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Cleric" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Cleric"?

There are 53 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Cleric". Common alternatives include clergyperson, clerical, clerk, deacon, divine, dominie, ecclesiastic, minister, preacher and priest.

What is the opposite of "Cleric"?

Antonyms of "Cleric" include layman, layperson and secular. Near antonyms include lay reader and lector.

How do you use "Cleric" in a sentence?

Examples of "Cleric" in a sentence: "clerics were sharply divided on the issue of whether the war was morally justified".

Is "Cleric" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Cleric" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Cleric"?

"Cleric" is pronounced /ˈkler-ik/ and divided into syllables as cler·ic.

What is the origin of the word "Cleric"?

"Cleric" comes from Late Latin clericus. First known use: 1611.