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.
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Example Sentences
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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
-
For more than four decades, the Korean immigrant has worked at the shop near Travis Air Force Base, hearing countless stories of loss, sacrifice and heartbreak from military families and service members.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
What sets them apart is, in exchange for yearly sacrifices in the form of new hires who seem like they won’t be missed, the Virgil’s inhabitants have been granted a conditional immortality that makes the film’s action sequences more fun for a while and then more tedious.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 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
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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
-
Meanwhile, some good news is in the forecast for the drought- and heat-plagued West, as a cool, wet and even snowy pattern is forecast to bring some relief that's desperately needed across the region.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
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While the company ultimately plans to build a 104-station tunnel network beneath Las Vegas, the project has also been plagued by safety issues, accidents, and scandals.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Martyr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martyr. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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