What is another word for Clericalism?

Pronunciation: [klˈɛɹɪkəlˌɪzəm] (IPA)

Clericalism is a term used to describe the power and influence of clergy in political matters. Some alternate words for clericalism include ecclesiasticism, theocracy, papalism, sacerdotalism and sectarianism. Ecclesiasticism implies the dominance of the church, while theocracy is governance under the authority of divine religious law. Papalism is the belief in papal authority or supremacy, while sacerdotalism emphasizes the role and power of the priesthood. Finally, sectarianism refers to excessive adherence to a particular denomination or sect of a religion to the point of exclusion of others. While all of these words have slightly different nuances, they all relate to the undue influence of religious institutions in secular affairs.

Synonyms for Clericalism:

What are the hypernyms for Clericalism?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.
  • Other hypernyms:

    bureaucracy, officialdom, ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM, corporate power, hierarchal system, systematic control.

Usage examples for Clericalism

The Ministers were at variance on many political questions, but united as to Clericalism.
"A History of the Third French Republic"
C. H. C. Wright
Gambetta was a professed disciple of Voltaire, an admirer of Comte, and an open opponent of Clericalism.
"A Biographical Dictionary of Freethinkers of All Ages and Nations"
Joseph Mazzini Wheeler
He states as his own life aims "The popularising of science and untiring opposition to that ecclesiastical spirit, that Clericalism, which in England, as everywhere else, and to whatever denomination it may belong, is the deadly enemy of science."
"A Biographical Dictionary of Freethinkers of All Ages and Nations"
Joseph Mazzini Wheeler

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