1. people who oppose the influence of clergy or organized religion in political and social affairs
Usage: plural form

Examples

• The anticlericals demanded separation of church and state.
• During the revolution, anticlericals seized church property.
• The political party attracted many anticlericals who opposed religious influence in government.
• Anticlericals argued that education should be free from religious control.
• The debate between clericals and anticlericals dominated the election.
• Many anticlericals supported secular marriage laws.