sacrificial

adjective

sac·​ri·​fi·​cial ˌsa-krə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce sacrificial (audio)
1
: of, relating to, of the nature of, or involving sacrifice
2
: of or relating to a metal that serves as an anode which is electrolytically consumed instead of another metal that is present
sacrificially adverb

Examples of sacrificial in a Sentence

their sacrificial acts of self-denial
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In simple terms, a Whipple Shield is a sacrificial bumper on a satellite, usually made of aluminum, that absorbs the initial impact. Leonard David, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2025 Musaf is a detailed account of the Yom Kippur temple service, when a special sacrificial service was performed by the High Priest of Israel on Yom Kippur in the temple in Jerusalem. Krys'tal Griffin, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025 The Labyrinth becomes a stand-in for the kind of technological know-how that can make sacrificial populations disappear without Americans having to see it directly. Seamus Sullivan september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025 Something is not happy about Cam’s decision, though, because the young player’s agent (Tim Heidecker) gets exploded to pieces on a sacrificial pentagram. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sacrificial

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sacrificial was in 1607

Cite this Entry

“Sacrificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sacrificial. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

sacrificial

adjective
sac·​ri·​fi·​cial ˌsak-rə-ˈfish-əl How to pronounce sacrificial (audio)
: of or relating to sacrifice
sacrificially adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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