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
The speakers’ lineup in Tulsa will reportedly include Flynn, Clark, Eric Trump, Jackson Lahmeyer and his wife Kendra, and a veritable apostolic Lollapalooza of NAR-friendly preachers.
From Salon ● Apr. 4, 2026
A diocese statement said the case was put last week before an apostolic tribunal in Spain.
From Barron's ● Nov. 11, 2025
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
But they are never employed before 175-180 in a way to even remotely suggest that they were then regarded as written by John, or even as apostolic in any sense.
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.
