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Definitions

churchman

[church-muhn] / ˈtʃɜrtʃ mən /
NOUN
clergyman
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bishop chaplain cleric evangelist missionary pastor pontiff preacher priest rabbi
STRONG
abbey archbishop cardinal cassock clerk curate dean divine ecclesiastic father monsignor padre parson primate rector reverend sermonizer shepherd vicar
WEAK
bible thumper blackcoat devil dodger ecclesiast harp polisher predicant pulpitarian pulpiteer sky pilot sky scout the rev turn-around collar
Antonyms
WEAK
layman layperson
NOUN
cleric
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chaplain clergyman minister priest rabbi
STRONG
divine ecclesiastic father parson reverend
WEAK
churchwoman clergywoman clerical

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.

A churchman of exceptional rhetorical skill, Augustine was naturally drawn into doctrinal and intellectual controversies, in which he showed a fearsome determination that his views should win out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

But there’s no way to know who determined the imagery, conquered artist or conquering European churchman.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 28, 2021

Mr Obama described the churchman as "a mentor, friend and moral compass".

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2021

In 1931, they stopped selling network airtime to Coughlin or any other churchman.

From Slate • Jan. 21, 2021

My dad gave him a firm shake and a tight-lipped nod, and the churchman headed out.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.