sermon
5 synonyms for sermon, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A talk given during a religious service, usually on a moral or spiritual theme.
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.
How to use sermon
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
deliver a sermon
preach a sermon
give someone a sermon
Etymology
From Old French sermon, from Latin sermō, "speech, discourse."
Full origin of sermon →Frequently asked questions
What does “sermon” mean?
The word “sermon” means a talk given during a religious service, usually on a moral or spiritual theme. In plain terms, a religious talk given in a service, or more casually, a long-winded lecture or telling-off.
How do you pronounce “sermon”?
“Sermon” is pronounced SUR-muhn (/ˈsɝ.mən/ in IPA).
How do you use “sermon” in a sentence?
Here is “sermon” used in a sentence: “The priest's sermon focused on forgiveness.”
What part of speech is “sermon”?
“Sermon” is a noun.
Where does the word “sermon” come from?
The word “sermon” comes from Latin. From Old French sermon, from Latin sermō, "speech, discourse.".
Is “sermon” a common word?
“Sermon” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sermon” have?
“Sermon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a talk given during a religious service, usually on a moral or spiritual theme.
What is the difference between a sermon and a homily?
Both are talks given during a religious service on a moral or spiritual theme, but a homily is typically shorter and more conversational, often tied closely to a specific scripture reading, while a sermon can be longer and more structured. In everyday use, the terms are often used interchangeably.
What does it mean when someone says "don't give me a sermon"?
This uses the informal, non-religious sense of sermon, referring to a long, moralising talk that scolds or lectures someone. It is typically said to push back against unwanted advice or criticism.
Is a sermon always religious?
No. While a sermon is traditionally a talk given during a religious service, the word is also used informally for any lengthy lecture that scolds or moralises, even outside a religious setting.
