abbess

Definition of abbessnext

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abbess The 12th-century abbess, composer, philosopher, and visionary becomes a thrilling subject when backed by modular synths, Ukrainian folk singing, and high medieval music. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 30 May 2025 When the abbess died in 866, she was buried in the abbey church. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2024 Groff imagined the poet Marie de France as a teenager forced to venture into the dark woods to serve as the abbess. Ron Charles, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2023 One of them was the abbess of a female religious community in Kent from around 733 to 761 CE, which is consistent with the dating of MS Selden Supra 30. Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for abbess
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abbess
Noun
  • Marie, who becomes the prioress of the abbey at 17, begins a rise to power — or as much power as a woman is permitted — using her fellow nuns to fight off political and violent incursions.
    Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Matrix by Lauren Groff Currents of violence and devotion coalesce around Marie de France, a 17-year-old sent to be the new prioress of a 12th-century English abbey.
    Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Sister Francis Piscatella, the world's oldest nun and New York state's oldest person, recently celebrated her 113th birthday.
    Carolyn Gusoff, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Leo is to preside over a peace meeting involving a Mankon traditional chief, a Presbyterian moderator, an imam and a Catholic nun.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In the medieval church, women’s roles were limited – usually some form of enclosure and celibacy, such as becoming an anchoress walled up alone for life, or a nun in a classic convent.
    Joelle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Louise, a former anchoress, is her humble, tyrannical maid.
    Hervé Guibert, Harper's Magazine, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The simple controls and hints gallery are optimized for novices, while the advanced playing modes are better suited for seasoned players.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Though shaken, the novice nurse insists on finishing her shift.
    Jennifer Obel, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Food and drink This is a major part of the Shakti experience, with Chef Yeshi, a Tibetan former monk, as the star and visiting celebrity chefs such as Mansi Seth Kapoor and Christine Mansfield bringing in other gastronomic influences from around the world.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Save the monastery, or the life of one individual monk.
    Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Jump to Answer In Sinners, Wunmi Mosaku’s character, Annie, is the resident priestess.
    Craigh Barboza, HollywoodReporter, 15 Mar. 2026
  • She’s being honored for her portrayal of Annie, the hoodoo priestess who is such a grounding force for the 2025 film.
    Kemi Alemoru, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • As a young religious, Bishop-elect Lombardo did missionary work in Bolivia and Honduras.
    Laura Rodríguez Presa, chicagotribune.com, 11 Sep. 2020
Noun
  • But when Niesen presented the plans to the abbot of the monastery, he was met with hesitation.
    Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The abbot of Wat Saman Rattanaram in Chachoengsao province, about 50 miles east of Bangkok, warned that cremation services may have to be suspended.
    Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 22 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abbess.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abbess. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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