cleric
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for cleric, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A member of the clergy, such as a priest, imam, or minister.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Late Latin clericus, ultimately from Greek klerikos, "of the clergy," related to kleros, "a lot" (as in casting lots), since clergy were originally chosen this way.
Full origin of cleric →Frequently asked questions
What does “cleric” mean?
The word “cleric” means a member of the clergy, such as a priest, imam, or minister. In plain terms, a general word for a religious official of any faith, not tied to one denomination.
How do you pronounce “cleric”?
“Cleric” is pronounced KLEH-rihk (/ˈklɛɹɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “cleric” in a sentence?
Here is “cleric” used in a sentence: “A local cleric organized the relief effort after the flood.”
What is another word for “cleric”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cleric” include blackcoat, clerical, clergymember and clergyperson.
What is the opposite of “cleric”?
The opposite of “cleric” — its antonyms — is layperson.
What part of speech is “cleric”?
Depending on how it is used, “cleric” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “cleric” come from?
The word “cleric” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin clericus, ultimately from Greek klerikos, "of the clergy," related to kleros, "a lot" (as in casting lots), since clergy were originally chosen this way.
Is “cleric” a common word?
“Cleric” is an uncommon word in modern English.
