Synonyms of sanctify

sanctify

verb

ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-ˌfī 

1

as in to purge

to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially

received the sacrament of penance, whereby they were sanctified and restored to divine grace

Synonyms & Similar Words

• purge
• purify
• heal
• cleanse
• restore
• improve
• amend
• refine
• regenerate
• elevate
• vindicate
• ennoble
• absolve
• acquit
• exonerate
• uplift
• clear

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• degrade
• corrupt
• defile
• demean
• debase
• stain
• pervert
• poison
• warp
• prostitute
• profane
• debauch
• deprave
• tarnish
• sully

2

as in to bless

to make holy through prayers or ritual

sanctify the bread for Communion

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bless
• consecrate
• dedicate
• hallow
• sacralize
• purify
• spiritualize
• devote
• cleanse
• baptize
• exorcise
• canonize
• chasten
• expurgate
• lustrate
• commit
• reconsecrate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• desecrate
• defile
• soil
• profane
• violate
• pollute
• dirty
• desanctify
• taint
• desacralize
• deconsecrate
• punish
• blaspheme
• foul
• condemn
• curse
• cuss
• cast out
• damn
• execrate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sanctify

Like much of the first half of the episode, before the plane crash, this gala sequence is shot in silky gold colors, as if John and Carolyn had already been sanctified. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026

There was no contradiction for these women in using sacred imagery to dramatize erotic love, or Scripture to sanctify desire. — Chandler Fritz, The New York Review of Books, 21 Mar. 2026

That was until Pope Leo inadvertently sanctified them in 2026. — Paul Keane, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2026

For King, defending a people did not mean sanctifying a state. — Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026