as in holiness
the quality or state of being spiritually pure or virtuous
the sanctity of the elderly nun shone through in her every word and gesture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 sanctity
The Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable law enforcement actions, and that applies especially to the sanctity of our homes.
—
Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2026
Cooper, 51, is out to defend the sanctity of football, upset over accusations that his beloved Philadelphia Eagles won the 2025 Super Bowl only to sell wings.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026
The Homeland’s borders are drawn in untainted blood, its sanctity exemplified in proper gender conduct and the fulfillment of gender roles.
—Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
The caves, virtually undisturbed for a hundred years, had an air of sanctity.
—Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sanctity
Washington Post, 5 Feb. 2026
Cooper, 51, is out to defend the sanctity of football, upset over accusations that his beloved Philadelphia Eagles won the 2025 Super Bowl only to sell wings.
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026
The Homeland’s borders are drawn in untainted blood, its sanctity exemplified in proper gender conduct and the fulfillment of gender roles.
—Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026
The caves, virtually undisturbed for a hundred years, had an air of sanctity.
—Henry Wismayer, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sanctity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctity
Noun
-
Even adversaries in the Arab world have never sunk to attacking the holiness of the Western Wall.—
Steven Burg,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Singh, who would be our local guide, always wore the five traits of a pious Sikh man — uncut hair (symbolizing strength and holiness and topped by the identifying turban), a steel bracelet, wooden comb, sheathed dagger and a baggy undergarment dating back to the Sikhs’ warrior days on horses.—
Norma Meyer,
Oc Register,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Humble but strong, philosophical but pragmatic, Kingsley's interpretation of the leader manages to balance both his spirituality and shrewdness, simultaneously demystifying an icon while also adding another layer to the legend.—
Devan Coggan,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Its deep psychological and philosophical meditations on civilization and savagery, religion and spirituality, man’s relationship with himself and others, and his connection with the land are dense at times but always rewarding.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sanctity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sanctity. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
