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

Journalism prevailed for the sanctity of the Triple Crown. —Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025

We’re given flowers, cards and brunch menus, while politicians praise the sanctity of family and the nobility of maternal love. —Sarah Leonardi, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 May 2025

Generations pass, cultures overlap, and trends evolve, but the sanctity of beauty rituals for and by ourselves remain. —Cierra Black, Essence, 9 May 2025

There won’t be any of the graphic pictures previously used in conservative states to change women’s minds, or cases made about the sanctity of life. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 2 June 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