as in lesson
a public speech usually by a member of the clergy for the purpose of giving moral guidance or uplift
a sermon whose message was that we should love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves
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Recent Examples of sermon
For decades, these legends were confined to bedtime stories and church sermons.
—
Pete McKenzie, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025
Bruce Springsteen, that liberal stalwart, kicked off his tour with an anti-Trump sermon; stars such as Doechii and Lady Gaga have made awards-show speeches in support of immigrants, trans people, and protesters.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
While delivering a Sunday sermon praising Trump’s decision, Jeffress sermon was interrupted by applause and a standing ovation from his congregation.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
Many of the leaders in this movement — like Pastor Guillermo Maldonado of King Jesus and White-Cain — are considered by the faithful to be modern-day Apostles or Prophets who can perform ‘healings’ or deliver prophecies during sermons.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sermon
Pete McKenzie, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025
Bruce Springsteen, that liberal stalwart, kicked off his tour with an anti-Trump sermon; stars such as Doechii and Lady Gaga have made awards-show speeches in support of immigrants, trans people, and protesters.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
While delivering a Sunday sermon praising Trump’s decision, Jeffress sermon was interrupted by applause and a standing ovation from his congregation.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
Many of the leaders in this movement — like Pastor Guillermo Maldonado of King Jesus and White-Cain — are considered by the faithful to be modern-day Apostles or Prophets who can perform ‘healings’ or deliver prophecies during sermons.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for sermon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sermon
Noun
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After attending an initial 90-minute lesson, the instructor sent the class on our way to finish our scarves.—
Jann E. Freed,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Adams said his experience with the jetport taught him lessons.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
13 July 2025
Noun
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Over the years, JWoww has spoken up about Greyson’s autism diagnosis, sharing advice and celebrating his wins, like reading and speech improvement.—
Beth Sobol,
People.com,
7 July 2025
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Antisemitism has taken on a new mechanism: the deliberate failure to defend the rights of Jews by groups that properly speak out against attempts to suppress the rights — speech, academic freedom and assembly — of African-Americans, gays, transgender people and other minorities.—
Alan M. Dershowitz,
New York Daily News,
6 July 2025
Noun
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President Jimmy Carter funeral: Live updates on state funeral for 39th president Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sing 'Imagine' to honor Jimmy Carter Brooks and Yearwood walked onto the cathedral's stage after Reverend Andrew Young delivered a homily.—
Audrey Gibbs,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
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All those ornate empty buildings with men in robes waving smoke around elderly congregants, preaching homilies with references to activities as quaint as shepherding and sowing, and praying to dead saints whose miracles are now forgotten or considered dubious.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Three days of readings, a lecture, musical performances and even a children’s version of the running of the bulls are planned for the Hemingway Birthday Weekend, July 18-20 in Oak Park.—
Myrna Petlicki,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
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Generally, all expedition cruise operators include many of the activities – with some available for an extra charge – most meals and beverages, onboard lectures, Citizen Science activities, and select gear such as parkas, per Maguire.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sermon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sermon. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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