desecration

noun

ˌde-si-ˈkrā-shən How to pronounce desecration (audio)
Definition of desecrationnext
as in violation
an act of great disrespect shown to God or to sacred ideas, people, or things the communicants were aghast at the desecration of the altar

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 desecration However, the Supreme Court in several cases has struck down any improper use or desecration of the flag on the grounds of free speech, according to the Library of Congress’ most frequently asked questions about flag law. — Darleene Powells, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026 He was charged in Linn County, Kansas with interference with law enforcement, criminal desecration and having a vicious dog at large. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026 Some scientists worry that extracting resources from the moon could jeopardize research, while many Indigenous nations see the moon as sacred and are against any desecration. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 27 May 2026 Gerlach is facing nearly 500 charges — including burglary, abuse of a corpse and desecration of monuments — tied to a disturbing investigation at Mount Moriah Cemetery near Philadelphia, the outlet reported. — Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for desecration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for desecration
  1. violation
  2. blasphemy
  3. sacrilege
  4. corruption
  5. profanation
  6. cursing
  7. defilement
  8. insult
Noun
  • The lawsuit asserts claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violations of state and local laws protecting freelance workers, as well as California’s Unfair Competition Law.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Grisham is currently suing Miller over violations of the terms of a confidential settlement related to his defamation case against her.
    — Rachel Scott, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of violation
Noun
  • If the state decides to officially charge him with blasphemy, Pragiwaksono could go to trial.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 July 2026
  • Astorino, the textbook author, went so far as to decry the showcase as something close to blasphemy.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
Definition of blasphemy
Noun
  • That’s sacrilege on par with an Ohioan disowning football or a Texan recoiling at the smell of brisket, a Kentuckian thumbing his nose at college basketball.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 July 2026
  • Sure, Texans are very hospitable, but playing anything other than country music over the speakers is normally considered sacrilege in that establishment.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
Definition of sacrilege
Noun
  • That committee adjourned without action, but Madigan was later convicted on corruption charges and is serving a 7 1/2-year federal prison sentence.
    — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Minotaur, which won Cannes’ runner-up prize, the Grand Prix, explores personal, political and patriarchal corruption in contemporary Russia.
    — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of corruption
Noun
  • Scottish hen parties were deemed to contain ritualistic profanation.
    — Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025
  • No tear-floods, nor sigh-tempests move; ’Twere profanation of our joys To tell the laity our love.
    — John Edgar Wideman, The New Yorker, 8 July 2021
Definition of profanation
Noun
  • Danhausen transcended into the mainstream zeitgeist after cursing and un-cursing the New York Knicks en route to the team winning the NBA Championship after a 52-year drought.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • In about seven minutes, with pushing, shoving, and cursing, the agents cleared a path for the van.
    — Ian Frazier, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Definition of cursing
Noun
  • In this way, Lapid keeps the emotional aspect of Y’s self-defilement at the forefront of the drama.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of defilement
Noun
  • Several celebrities and their PR teams have denounced Perez for his viscous public insults, from Khloe Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, and Lady Gaga, a former friend of Perez.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In recent years, Georgia’s State Election Board has been plagued by infighting, feuds, insults, partisan maneuvering and out-and-out shouting matches.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of insult

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Cite this Entry

“Desecration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/desecration. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on desecration

Nglish: Translation of desecration for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about desecration

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