sacrilege

noun

ˈsa-krə-lij How to pronounce sacrilege (audio)
Definition of sacrilegenext
as in blasphemy
an act of great disrespect shown to God or to sacred ideas, people, or things spitting on the temple floor would be a great sacrilege

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sacrilege At many Jewish institutions, rejecting Zionism is indeed regarded as a form of sacrilege. — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 That’s the ultimate Hollywood sacrilege. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026 Doing anything else would be sacrilege to the faithful, as well as false to the friendship that exists at the center of this Broadway behemoth. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2025 In 1998, the Lucky Chances casino opened, surrounded by graveyards on three side, which critics saw as a sacrilege. — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sacrilege
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sacrilege
  1. blasphemy
  2. desecration
  3. violation
  4. cursing
  5. profanation
  6. impiety
  7. corruption
Noun
  • This was a weak case for blasphemy.
    — Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026
  • The president later removed the post in the face of outrage and accusations of blasphemy.
    — Laura Kelly, The Hill, 4 May 2026
Definition of blasphemy
Noun
  • The Tesla’s desecration follows a vandalism spree in Queens that saw religious centers, homes and vehicles defiled with swastikas and antisemitic slogans last month.
    — Barry Williams, New York Daily News, 26 June 2026
  • However, the Supreme Court in several cases has struck down any improper use or desecration of the flag on the grounds of free speech, according to the Library of Congress’ most frequently asked questions about flag law.
    — Darleene Powells, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
Definition of desecration
Noun
  • The agency had found six violations of state code by the company after detainees complained about a lack of protective equipment and proper training while cleaning the facility for $1 per day.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The German predator network managed to thrive despite clear violations of Telegram’s terms of service, again raising questions about how the platform has been used for criminal activity.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
Definition of violation
Noun
  • In about seven minutes, with pushing, shoving, and cursing, the agents cleared a path for the van.
    — Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • People would literally be in the drive-thru cursing at me.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Definition of cursing
Noun
  • Scottish hen parties were deemed to contain ritualistic profanation.
    — Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
  • No tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move; ’Twere profanation of our joys To tell the laity our love.
    — John Edgar Wideman, The New Yorker, 8 July 2021
Definition of profanation
Noun
  • By one hand, he is bound to himself, to his impiety, his recklessness, his envy and pride, his guilt and spite.
    — Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024
Definition of impiety
Noun
  • Until April, Calabria had spent 17 years under special administration due to persistent budget deficits, which along with corruption scandals and Mafia infiltration affected health investments.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
  • The 48-year-old daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte is accused of corruption, bribery, misappropriating millions in government funds and threatening to have the current president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, assassinated.
    — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 9 July 2026
Definition of corruption

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sacrilege
sacrileges
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Cite this Entry

“Sacrilege.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sacrilege. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sacrilege

Nglish: Translation of sacrilege for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sacrilege

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