sanctity

noun sanc·ti·ty \ ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-tē \

Definition of sanctity

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

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Examples of sanctity in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of sanctity from the Web

The line is often crossed when the sanctity of the hijab is compromised for the sake of mainstream commercialism.

— jihane hajby, Allure, "Why We Need to Discuss The Hijab in Western Fashion," 20 Aug. 2017
But my infertile yearnings, my disastrous pregnancy, did nothing to impart a sense of the sanctity of life.

— joanna petrone, Longreads, "Pregnant, then Ruptured," 18 Aug. 2017
Gary London, London Moeder Advisors NO: This is a philosophical change from the American tradition of offering sanctity and opportunity to most anyone.

— roger showley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Merit-based immigration: Good idea?," 10 Aug. 2017
Additionally, a Culture of Life stand is located in front of the church and offers free materials relating to the sanctity of human life.

— laura demarco, cleveland.com, "119th Feast of the Assumption in Little Italy: Faith, family and food (vintage photos, video)," 10 Aug. 2017
Ultimately, the relationship between our two countries pivots on the Kremlin respecting the sanctity of our elections and those of all democratic countries.

— peter savodnik, vanityfair.com, "The Strange Silver Lining in the Trump-Putin Affair," 1 Aug. 2017
Ultimately, the relationship between our two countries pivots on the Kremlin respecting the sanctity of our elections and those of all democratic countries.

— peter savodnik, The Hive, "The Strange Silver Lining in the Trump-Putin Affair," 1 Aug. 2017
The sanctity of the office was shattered by the indictment, trial, and sudden confession of the boss.

— stu bykofsky, Philly.com, "Welcome, Ms. Interim: Here's what not to do," 20 July 2017
Several regulations tightly govern decorum at the cemetery to preserve the sanctity of the burial ground.

— t. rees shapiro, Washington Post, "What can’t you take to Arlington National Cemetery on July 4? An American flag.," 3 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sanctity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of sanctity

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

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sanctity Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

godlessness, impiety, ungodliness, unholiness

Related Words

asceticism, devotion, morality, prayerfulness, religiousness, spirituality; priestliness; goodness, rectitude, righteousness, uprightness, virtue, virtuousness; consecration, sacredness

Near Antonyms

blasphemousness, irreverence, sacrilegiousness; depravedness, depravity, evilness, heinousness, monstrosity, sinfulness, vileness, wickedness; hypocrisy, sanctimoniousness, sanctimony

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite, iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary

SANCTITY Defined for English Language Learners

sanctity

noun

Definition of sanctity for English Language Learners

: the quality or state of being holy, very important, or valuable

Learn More about sanctity

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sanctity Spanish Central: Translation of sanctity Nglish: Translation of sanctity for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of sanctity for Arabic speakers

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sanctity

Definition of sanctity

Examples of sanctity in a Sentence

Recent Examples of sanctity from the Web

Origin and Etymology of sanctity

sanctity Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Other Christian Religious Terms

SANCTITY Defined for English Language Learners

sanctity

Definition of sanctity for English Language Learners

Learn More about sanctity

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sanctity

Definition of sanctity

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Examples of sanctity in a Sentence

Recent Examples of sanctity from the Web

Origin and Etymology of sanctity

sanctity Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Other Christian Religious Terms

SANCTITY Defined for English Language Learners

sanctity

Definition of sanctity for English Language Learners

Learn More about sanctity

Seen and Heard

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Words at Play

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