as in to violate
to treat (a sacred place or object) shamefully or with great disrespect
vandals desecrated the cemetery last night by covering the tombstones with graffiti
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Recent Examples of desecrate
Fernandez was charged with first-degree murder, desecrating human remains and multiple weapons crimes.
—
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2025
The reception of the fourth season was colored by the lingering resonance of the Jan. 6 insurrection, by the still vivid image of American landmarks being desecrated by costumed citizens.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
Unruly tourists have caused traffic jams and public commotions, offended local sensibilities, trashed the environment, and desecrated sacred sites.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Alawite shrines were desecrated, and Qurans burned during the chaotic coastal crackdown.
—Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for desecrate
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2025
The reception of the fourth season was colored by the lingering resonance of the Jan. 6 insurrection, by the still vivid image of American landmarks being desecrated by costumed citizens.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
Unruly tourists have caused traffic jams and public commotions, offended local sensibilities, trashed the environment, and desecrated sacred sites.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 28 Mar. 2025
Alawite shrines were desecrated, and Qurans burned during the chaotic coastal crackdown.
—Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for desecrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desecrate
violate
Verb
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The amendment was inspired by neighboring counties, including Sacramento and Placer, that already instituted hefty fines for violating fireworks ordinances.—
Jack Rodriquez-Vars,
Sacbee.com,
5 June 2025
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But in recent years Maryland has violated the criteria more frequently than any other state.—
Rachel Baye,
NPR,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Desecrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desecrate. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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