as in to attack
to kill (someone) for refusing to give up a belief or cause
—usually used as (be) martyred
He was martyred for his religious beliefs.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 martyr
Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
So last year, Charlie was violently murdered by an assassin and martyred, really martyred for his beliefs.
—Time Staff, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
The present attacks in Iran will likely make Ali Khamenei a martyr and only solidify the resistance to freedom and democracy.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for martyr
Verb
And martyred, really, martyred for his beliefs.
—Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026
So last year, Charlie was violently murdered by an assassin and martyred, really martyred for his beliefs.
—Time Staff, Time, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
Kirk’s supporters, including a former staffer in the DeSantis administration, collected screenshots and tried to get people fired for disrupting their fake martyr narrative.
—Karen J. Leader, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
The present attacks in Iran will likely make Ali Khamenei a martyr and only solidify the resistance to freedom and democracy.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for martyr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martyr
Verb
-
At that point, Cupe allegedly became agitated and attacked the bystander with a box cutter, slashing him across the chest.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Trump has also threatened to attack Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Families would leave lights in windows or over doors during battles, such as Verdun, as a sign of hope and remembrance — a tradition that later became a lasting tribute to France’s sacrifice and alliance.—
David Caraccio
April 4,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Still, Roy contends that the two days a month is reasonable given the sacrifices lawyers make to work for the government.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Court records show that Gabriel was tortured by starvation, shot by BB guns, and forced to eat cat litter, cat feces and his own vomit.—
Rick Montanez,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
-
His Venice entry triggered multiple walkouts in Sonoma, though, especially during a scene featuring the always solid Oscar Isaac getting tortured.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The radio listener is the big loser here.—
Mac Engel
April 2,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
-
People who need services are the biggest losers.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Madigan's Aunt Gladys emerges as the movie's primary villain and torments characters portrayed by Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong and child star Cary Christopher throughout the film.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
-
As Amadeus’ brilliance continues to flourish in spite of his personal demons, a questionable reputation and scepticism from the conservative court, Salieri becomes increasingly tormented by this apparent divine gift.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Keegan lends a sympathetic ear to her anguished recent history and precarious recovery, sharing that he’s been clean for a year and a half from heroin addiction.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Morgan’s childhood was filled with anguishing losses.—
Sam McDowell
February 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The helpless and much persecuted turtles were cooked in a rich, creamy soup with chunks of meat.—
James Stout,
Outside,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The Iranian regime has persecuted members of her own family.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Giveaways plagued Denver to start the period and gave Seattle momentum, but Summit responded encouragingly, particularly after right back Ayo Oke subbed on in the 60th minute.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Orion’s legacy The Apollo 10 capsule wasn’t the only one plagued with toilet issues.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Martyr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martyr. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
