adjective
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of, relating to, deriving from, or contemporary with the Apostles
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of or relating to the teachings or practice of the Apostles
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of or relating to the pope regarded as chief successor of the Apostles
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of apostolic
First recorded in 1540–50; from Late Latin apostolicus, from Greek apostolikós, from apóstol(os) apostle + -ikos -ic
Vocabulary lists containing apostolic
"The Declaration of Sentiments" (1848)
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"Declaration of Sentiments," Vocabulary from the public document
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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.
Saint Paul wrote the apostolic dictate that a new believer ought not be a leader in spiritual matters.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 28, 2026
Spanish media said the meeting would take place on Monday afternoon at the Vatican embassy in the Spanish capital, formally known as the apostolic nunciature.
From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026
Indeed, this comes amid a noticeable rift in the movement, after 92 apostolic leaders issued a statement in April 2021 aimed at establishing “prophetic standards.”
From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026
Francis praised her on Sunday as a “model of apostolic fervor and audacity for us,” and he urged his listeners to overcome prejudice and fear and be close to the poor.
From New York Times • Feb. 12, 2024
Indirectly the growth of Gnostic heresy contributed still more to the increasing authority of apostolic and quasi-apostolic writings.
From The Making of the New Testament by Bacon, Benjamin Wisner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
