Definitions

catholic

[kath-uh-lik, kath-lik] / ˈkæθ ə lɪk, ˈkæθ lɪk /

ADJECTIVE

all-embracing, general

Synonyms

STRONG

comprehensive cosmopolitan eclectic generic universal whole

WEAK

all-inclusive broad-minded charitable cosmic diffuse ecumenical extensive global inclusive indeterminate large-scale liberal open-minded receptive tolerant unbigoted unprejudiced unsectarian wide world-wide

Antonyms

STRONG

exclusive incomprehensive narrow partial particular specific

WEAK

narrow-minded

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I have struggled with my Catholic faith over the years, but nothing has perplexed me more than the idea of suffering.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Encyclicals aren’t meant to be strict policy briefs but rather a letter on a topic the pope wants the global Catholic community to seriously reflect upon.

From Slate • May 28, 2026

Leo’s 42,000-word encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas” intermixes them in the way Catholic social teaching has often done, and in a similarly unclear and disorganized way.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

The Pope's apology was delivered in what is known as a encyclical - technically a letter to Catholic bishops, but which over recent decades have been how a pontiff passes on messages to the world.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

So Dr. Coppola had him transferred to Mary Immaculate, a Catholic hospital, in order to get him into a private room.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Vocabulary lists containing catholic

Tuck Everlasting

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Big Science

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Society and Solitude

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