sanctity

noun

sanc·​ti·​ty ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-tē 

plural sanctities

1

: holiness of life and character : godliness

2

a

: the quality or state of being holy or sacred : inviolability

b

sanctities plural : sacred objects, obligations, or rights

Synonyms

• blessedness
• devoutness
• godliness
• holiness
• piety
• piousness
• sainthood
• saintliness
• saintship

Examples of sanctity in a Sentence

the sanctity of the elderly nun shone through in her every word and gesture

Recent Examples on the Web

New York City policymakers must do more to protect public school children and preserve the sanctity of public education. —Savanah Jackson, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025

Trump has, in short order, threatened the sanctity of U.S. government debt. —William Pesek, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

In a recent op-ed, Perkins shared the deeply personal story that a miscarriage shaped her perspective on the sanctity of life. —Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2025

Perhaps wonders were no longer necessary to galvanize faith in an era of widespread Christianity, or perhaps the scarcity of miracles revealed a decrease in sanctity throughout the ages. —Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English saunctite, from Anglo-French sainteté, from Latin sanctitat-, sanctitas, from sanctus sacred

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sanctity

noun

sanc·​ti·​ty ˈsaŋ(k)-tət-ē 

plural sanctities

1

: holiness sense 1, saintliness

2

: the quality or state of being holy or sacred