anticlerical

[ an-tee-kler-i-kuhl, an-tahy- ]

adjective

opposed to the influence and activities of the clergy or the church in secular or public affairs.

Origin of anticlerical

First recorded in 1835–45; anti- + clerical

Other words from anticlerical

an·ti·cler·i·cal·ism, noun
an·ti·cler·i·cal·ist, noun

Words Nearby anticlerical

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use anticlerical in a sentence

How did it become the anticlerical, ego-theistic literature of today?
How the American Novel Lost Its Religion | Philip F. Gura | April 18, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
The Vatican has also defended the pontiff, calling the charges a fantasy of “the anticlerical left.”
Siete Things to Know About Pope Francis & Argentina’s Dirty War | Rob Verger | March 15, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Even in this critical moment the officer could not drop the anticlerical rhetoric and pompous style that he always adopted.
The Fourth Estate, vol.1 | Armando Palacio Valds
But the priest––did you not say only last week that he himself had published a book violently anticlerical in tone?
Carmen Ariza | Charles Francis Stocking
It begins as he intended, anticlerical; and so it will run for a while.
Carmen Ariza | Charles Francis Stocking

Nominally acting for the Government; at heart, anticlerical.
Carmen Ariza | Charles Francis Stocking
How could Wenceslas interpret this but as an anticlerical uprising?
Carmen Ariza | Charles Francis Stocking

British Dictionary definitions for anticlerical

anticlerical

/ (ˌæntɪˈklɛrɪkəl) /

adjective

opposed to the power and influence of the clergy, esp in politics

noun

a supporter of an anticlerical party

Derived forms of anticlerical

anticlericalism, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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