Priorate is a word used to describe a religious institution headed by a prior. It is often associated with the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations. There are several synonyms for priorate including priory, abbey, monastery, convent, and religious community. Each of these words describes a group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to a particular faith and live together in a communal setting. While the term priorate is primarily used in a religious context, the synonyms provide additional language options for those wishing to discuss religious institutions and communities.