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View synonyms for sermon

sermon

[sur-muhn]

noun

  1. a discourse for the purpose of religious instruction or exhortation, especially one based on a text of Scripture and delivered by a member of the clergy as part of a religious service.

  2. any serious speech, discourse, or exhortation, especially on a moral issue.

    Synonyms: lecture
  3. a long, tedious speech.

    Synonyms: tirade, harangue, lecture


sermon

/ ˈsɜːmən, sɜːˈmɒnɪk /

noun

    1. an address of religious instruction or exhortation, often based on a passage from the Bible, esp one delivered during a church service

    2. a written version of such an address

  1. a serious speech, esp one administering reproof

“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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Other Word Forms

  • sermonless adjective
  • sermonic adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of sermon1

1150–1200; Middle English < Medieval Latin sermōn- (stem of sermō ) speech from pulpit, Latin: discourse, equivalent to ser- (base of serere to link up, organize) + -mōn- noun suffix
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Word History and Origins

Origin of sermon1

C12: via Old French from Latin sermō discourse, probably from serere to join together
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Compare Meanings

How does sermon compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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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.

Then in September, authorities announced a new online code of conduct for religious personnel, which only allows online sermons to be conducted by licensed groups.

Read more on BBC

Still the church continued to gather in small groups and shared its sermons online.

Read more on BBC

You’ve likely heard sermons about the importance of networking, but this is a moment to pay attention.

Her greatest moment may be the spoken, but her accusatory horror at gun violence is something that takes a powerful opera singer to turn into a sermon from which it is impossible to turn away.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the days after his death, AI-generated audio clips of Kirk styled as “sermons” began circulating online, while supporters shared Bible verses that they claimed matched the exact timing of his passing.

Read more on Salon

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Serliosermonette