Clerical — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈkler-i-kəl/ cler·i·cal

Meaning & Definition of Clerical

Clerical (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy
  2. of or relating to a clerk

Clerical (noun)

  1. a member of the clergy
  2. clericalist
  3. clerk

Clerical (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy

    "clerical duties such as providing spiritual counseling and leading Bible study classes"

    similar: clerkly, ministerial, pastoral, priestly, sacerdotal
    related: evangelical, missionary, apostolic, canonical, diaconal, diocesan, episcopal, papal, patriarchal, pontifical, churchly, ecclesiastic, ecclesiastical, divine, holy, religious, sacramental, conventual, mendicant, monachal, monastic, caliphal, rabbinic
    opposite: lay, nonclerical, secular, temporal

Clerical (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "some of the state's most prominent clericals have spoken out against the measure"

    similar: clergyperson, cleric, 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 Clerical

The most common words with a similar meaning to Clerical:

clerkly, ministerial, pastoral, priestly, sacerdotal, clergyperson, cleric, clerk, deacon, divine, dominie, ecclesiastic, minister, preacher, priest, reverend

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Clerical

Words with the opposite meaning of Clerical:

lay, nonclerical, secular, temporal, layman, layperson

Related Words for Clerical

evangelical, missionary, apostolic, canonical, diaconal, diocesan, episcopal, papal, patriarchal, pontifical, churchly, ecclesiastical, holy, religious, sacramental, conventual, mendicant, monachal, monastic, caliphal, rabbinic, churchman, clergyman, father, Holy Joe, padre, clergywoman, deaconess, priestess, abbot

Near Antonyms of Clerical

lay reader, lector

Word Forms of Clerical

Derived words: clerically (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Clerical

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Clerical

clerical collar

Frequently Asked Questions about Clerical

What does "Clerical" mean?

"Clerical" means of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: of, relating to, or characteristic of the clergy. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Clerical"?

Other words for "Clerical" include clerkly, ministerial, pastoral, priestly, sacerdotal, clergyperson, cleric and clerk. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Clerical" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Clerical"?

There are 74 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Clerical". Common alternatives include clerkly, ministerial, pastoral, priestly, sacerdotal, clergyperson, cleric, clerk, deacon and divine.

What is the opposite of "Clerical"?

Antonyms of "Clerical" include lay, nonclerical, secular, temporal, layman and layperson. Near antonyms include lay reader and lector.

How do you use "Clerical" in a sentence?

Examples of "Clerical" in a sentence: "clerical duties such as providing spiritual counseling and leading Bible study classes"; "some of the state's most prominent clericals have spoken out against the measure".

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

"Clerical" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Clerical"?

"Clerical" is pronounced /ˈkler-i-kəl/ and divided into syllables as cler·i·cal.

What is the origin of the word "Clerical"?

First known use: 15th century.