consecrate

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb consecrate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of consecrate are dedicate, devote, and hallow. While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

When can dedicate be used instead of consecrate?

While the synonyms dedicate and consecrate are close in meaning, dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

When would devote be a good substitute for consecrate?

The meanings of devote and consecrate largely overlap; however, devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.

devoted his evenings to study

When is it sensible to use hallow instead of consecrate?

In some situations, the words hallow and consecrate are roughly equivalent. However, hallow, often differing little from dedicate or consecrate, may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity.

battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

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 consecrate
Adjective
Lana Del Rey doesn’t toy with signs—of American glamour and its decay, of female melancholia and racial desire—so much as consecrate them. Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2023
Verb
Bergoglio was consecrated into the priesthood as a Jesuit, a religious order explicitly averse to moving up within the ranks of the church hierarchy. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025 The creators of this medieval masterpiece have been lost to time, but it’s believed to have been commissioned by Odo, bishop of Bayeux and William’s half-brother, to decorate the nave of the new cathedral of Notre-Dame of Bayeux, which was consecrated in 1077. Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consecrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consecrate
Adjective
  • Regardless of region, a memorable melody remains the holy grail.
    Faye Bradley, Variety, 4 July 2025
  • On paper, unlimited PTO sounds like the holy grail of benefits a company can offer its employees—the ability to take endless vacations and avoid burnout.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Ellie of Arizona has spent years dedicating her time and energy to helping animals.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, on a more frivolous note, Corriere dedicated a piece to the wedding’s security details.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Some parks, however, are blessed with ample indoor options.
    Matt Alderton, USA Today, 25 June 2025
  • This product leaves my skin feeling deeply moisturized and blessed after each shower.
    Kayla Greaves, Essence, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • For five days, the city erupts into epic water battles, the Grand Parade of floats, live concerts, EDM zones, drone shows, and sacred Buddhist ceremonies.
    Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Is my poetry equal to something so sacred and timeless?
    Literary Hub June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Officials say that deterrent is why cases of ineligible people casting ballots are incredibly rare — a fact that's become increasingly apparent as more and more states devote resources to uncovering the few people that slip through the cracks every election.
    Miles Parks, NPR, 28 June 2025
  • For instance, using scheduling tools or features to automate social media posts and email campaigns enables marketers to devote additional time to more important activities.
    Roman Vrublivskyi, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Churches are fine, but consecrated Earth is dangerous to them.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • Until her late 20s, Isabella had never even considered a consecrated life.
    Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • While gymnasts are flying inside a venue during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Archer Aviation electric air taxis will be flitting through the air above the area saving athletes, VIPs, guests and myriad others from performing brutal traffic acrobatics to get from place-to-place.
    Ed Garsten, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • One reported a 60% increase in sales within four months, while another saved 30-hours per week on decision-making processes, according to Medone.
    Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consecrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consecrate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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