SACRED Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

sacred

adjective

ˈsā-krəd

Definition of sacred

as in holy

not to be violated, criticized, or tampered with the sacred trust that exists between elected officials and the electorate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in divine

of, relating to, or being God a sacred name that must not be uttered in vain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in religious

of, relating to, or used in the practice or worship services of a religion a sacred chalice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in venerated

set apart or worthy of veneration by association with God the sacred bones of a saint

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in venerable

deserving honor and respect especially by reason of age the alumni procession at graduation is one of the college's most sacred traditions, dating back over a hundred years

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sacred To some independent Native American activists, indigenous burial sites are sacred and should not be excavated or touched in any way. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 His larger diagnosis is that the division machine has made every disagreement existential — and that once a political difference becomes sacred, people will rationalize almost anything to defeat the other side. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Bryce Gonzales, having performed similarly sacred duties for the Jeff Parker IVtet, recorded and mixed the show live to stereo tape at Los Angeles venue Zebulon. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026 But over time, and as reverence for the Revolutionary War generation grew, the political parties sought to prove themselves the truest guardians of the founding principles, transforming it from an argument for independence into a sacred document. — Theodore R. Johnson, Washington Post, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sacred

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sacred

Adjective

There are flag sweaters and skate sneakers and prairie skirts; there are Cheyanne moccasins and Mennonite bonnets and the not-quite-holy Yankees baseball cap.

— Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026
The devil invades a Georgetown home, and holy men have quite the job to do on a demonic little girl.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Definition of holy

Adjective

Having witnessed centuries of religious warfare in Europe, when millions were killed for their beliefs, the framers took pains to make sure nothing like that would happen here.

— Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Supporters argue that the gatherings represent a form of devotion untethered from rigid rituals and the gatekeeping normally associated with temples or religious processions.

— Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of religious

Adjective

On the night of June 15, a Russian drone directly hit the most venerated site for Ukraine’s majority Orthodox Christians, and indeed for much of Eastern Christendom.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 26 June 2026
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the landmark live release, Frampton recounts his history in bands The Herd and Humble Pie before striking stadium-sellout gold as a solo star with venerated guitar chops and an inventive talk box.

— Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 June 2026

Definition of venerated

Adjective

The two women have booked an increasing number of speaking gigs over the past year, including at popular venues like Sloat Garden Centers and SummerWinds nurseries around the Bay Area, and even at the venerable Marin Art and Garden Center.

— Martha Ross, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
The 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is gearing up to celebrate the venerable Czech fest’s past and, at the same time, guide it into its future.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026

Definition of venerable

Adjective

By the end of the movie, even something as natural as daylight has become suffused with a heavenly glow, and the beads of sweat on a dying body sparkle with a beauty that Emily had never been able to find anywhere else in her tragedy of a life.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 26 June 2026
Don't forget your in-flight comfort — this heavenly memory foam travel pillow is discounted to just $10.

— Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

Definition of heavenly

Adjective

India’s religious and spiritual economy was estimated at roughly $58 billion in 2025, and is projected to grow steadily over the next decade.

— Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Amid a host of synthetic textures, the batá grounds the record in its spiritual reference; only the twins’ perspective changes.

— Stefanie Fernández, Pitchfork, 3 July 2026

Definition of spiritual

Adjective

The Cupichs attended a parish where mass was celebrated in Latin (the liturgical changes of the Second Vatican Council were yet to come) but the sermons were spoken in Croatian.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 July 2026
Alongside official ceremonies and liturgical events, Leo is expected to emphasize his concern for marginalized communities.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 6 June 2026