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

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

Apple has long been a vocal proponent of the sanctity of its users’ personal data. —Ewan Spence, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025

If expressed with love for the sanctity of all life, even within disagreements, a wiser choice may be to navigate us toward constructive routes to peace and understanding. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025

The 15-track, hour-long set is a kaleidoscopic look at the sanctity of friendship told through a fearless amalgam of genres ranging from rock and funk to gospel and dance. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 5 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