baptism

noun

ˈbap-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce baptism (audio)
Definition of baptismnext
as in inauguration
the process or an instance of being formally placed in an office or organization the baptism of the new members of the college fraternity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 baptism Her own granddaughter's baptism dress included embroideries copied from that dress. — ABC News, 30 June 2026 Murphy has presided over thousands of baptisms, communions, weddings and funerals. — Joe Holden, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Whether one views baptism as a sacred religious act or simply as a symbolic commitment to change, the message being communicated is significant. — Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Further investigation revealed more photos and videos on a cloud drive that showed adolescent girls changing clothes and making use of a church bathroom after a baptism service. — Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for baptism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baptism
  1. inauguration
  2. inaugural
  3. initiation
Noun
  • Meloni was reportedly the sole European leader to receive an invitation to Trump’s January 2025 inauguration.
    — Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 6 July 2026
  • Its flags hung at President Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration and draped his casket.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of inauguration
Noun
  • Van Dijk and her fellow travelers even brought their own swag to give out and said inaugurals feel like a bonding experience for everyone on the flight.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 10 May 2026
  • In the inaugural Be Our Valentine campaign, HopeWorks aims to build a stronger network for survivors.
    — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of inaugural
Noun
  • Ada’s overlapping cycles of initiation and desperation are intensely dramatic, but the movie’s hectic pace leaves each of them merely encapsulated in brief onscreen action or a few lines of dialogue, left undeveloped.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 June 2026
  • Of the clubs opening in the past five years, membership fees range from around $3,000 to $15,000 a year, Hobbs said, noting that many charge initiation fees between $1,000 and a gobsmacking $200,000.
    — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
Definition of initiation

Phrases Containing baptism

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bantlings
baptism
baptismal name
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Cite this Entry

“Baptism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baptism. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on baptism

Nglish: Translation of baptism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about baptism

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