apostolic
adjective
ap·os·tol·ic
ˌa-pə-ˈstä-lik 
1
2
a
: of or relating to a succession of spiritual authority from the apostles held (as by Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Eastern Orthodox) to be perpetuated by successive ordinations of bishops and to be necessary for valid sacraments and orders
b
: papal
Examples of apostolic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Viganò was recalled as U.S. ambassador, or apostolic nuncio, in 2016.
—
Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, 5 July 2024
But their indifference to the apostolic authority of the church and complicity with a secular ruling establishment have alienated many ordinary Catholics, who, like many ordinary voters throughout the West, worry that what was once solid is being eroded by negligent leaders.
—R. R. Reno, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2018
Approximately three-quarters of Christians in the region are Arab and tend to belong to ancient, apostolic denominations such as the Greek Orthodox, Coptic and Catholic churches.
—Timothy H.j. Nerozzi Fox News, Fox News, 27 June 2024
His decision to appeal prompted Bruckner, who works as a ministry assistant at a Colorado nondenominational church, to ask Pierre, the apostolic nuncio, to review the court record.
—Harriet Ryan, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for apostolic 
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.
Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, 5 July 2024
But their indifference to the apostolic authority of the church and complicity with a secular ruling establishment have alienated many ordinary Catholics, who, like many ordinary voters throughout the West, worry that what was once solid is being eroded by negligent leaders.
—R. R. Reno, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2018
Approximately three-quarters of Christians in the region are Arab and tend to belong to ancient, apostolic denominations such as the Greek Orthodox, Coptic and Catholic churches.
—Timothy H.j. Nerozzi Fox News, Fox News, 27 June 2024
His decision to appeal prompted Bruckner, who works as a ministry assistant at a Colorado nondenominational church, to ask Pierre, the apostolic nuncio, to review the court record.
—Harriet Ryan, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for apostolic
Dictionary Entries Near apostolic
Cite this Entry
“Apostolic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostolic. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apostolic
adjective
ap·os·tol·ic
ˌap-ə-ˈstäl-ik
1
: of or relating to an apostle or the apostles
2
: papal
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share