Synonyms

denominational

American

[dih-nom-uh-ney-shuh-nl] / dɪˌnɒm əˈneɪ ʃə nl /

adjective

of or relating to a denomination or denominations.
founded, sponsored, or controlled by a particular religious denomination or sect.

denominational schools.
limited, conditioned, originating in, or influenced by the beliefs, attitudes, or interests of a religious sect, political party, etc..

denominational prejudice.

Other Word Forms

denominationally adverb
nondenominational adjective
nondenominationally adverb
transdenominational adjective

Etymology

Origin of denominational

First recorded in 1830–40; denomination + -al ¹

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.

“An exemption that requires proselytization or exclusive service of co-religionists establishes a preference for certain religions,” Justice Sotomayor said, calling it a “paradigmatic form of denominational discrimination.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

The NAR poses a radically different paradigm than traditional denominational Christianity of any stripe.

From Salon • Nov. 12, 2023

While most UMC congregations are remaining, many of the departing congregations are large, and denominational officials are bracing for significant budget cuts in 2024.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2023

The Covenant School is part of a network of conservative evangelical churches and private schools in Nashville that is tight knit, even across denominational lines.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2023

Catholic parochial schools and Protestant denominational schools were also affected.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023