ministerial
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for ministerial, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Relating to a government minister or ministry.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Relating to a government minister or ministry.
“She was given ministerial responsibility for education.”
2. adj
Relating to a religious minister or the ministry of a church.
“He completed his ministerial training last spring.”
Opposites
How to use ministerial
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
ministerial post
ministerial duties
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French ministeriel, built on "minister" plus "-ial."
Full origin of ministerial →Frequently asked questions
What does “ministerial” mean?
The word “ministerial” means relating to a government minister or ministry. In plain terms, having to do with a government minister's role, or with a member of the clergy.
How do you pronounce “ministerial”?
“Ministerial” is pronounced mih-nuh-STIH-ree-uhl (/ˌmɪnəˈstɪɹi.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “ministerial” in a sentence?
Here is “ministerial” used in a sentence: “She was given ministerial responsibility for education.”
What part of speech is “ministerial”?
“Ministerial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ministerial” come from?
The word “ministerial” comes from Middle French. Borrowed from Middle French ministeriel, built on "minister" plus "-ial.".
Is “ministerial” a common word?
“Ministerial” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ministerial” have?
“Ministerial” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to a government minister or ministry.
What is the difference between "ministerial" and "administrative"?
"Ministerial" specifically relates to a government minister or ministry, or to a religious minister or church, while "administrative" more broadly describes organizational or clerical functions not tied to a minister's role.
Can "ministerial" apply to both government and religious contexts?
Yes, "ministerial" has two applications: one relating to a government minister or ministry, and another relating to a religious minister or the ministry of a church. Context determines which sense is meant.
What would a "ministerial duty" refer to?
A ministerial duty generally refers to a responsibility that falls under a minister's role, whether governmental or religious, carried out within that minister's official authority.
