Definition of sarcophagusnext
as in casket
a boxlike container for holding a dead body the crypt under the abbey church contains the sarcophagus of the monastery's founding abbot

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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 sarcophagus Unit 4, meanwhile, was sealed with a crude sarcophagus that stood until 2016. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026 Poor Katie becomes a living human sacrifice and placed inside a sarcophagus, her body used as a flesh prison for an ancient demon. — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026 The rub is that she was recovered inside a 3,000-year-old sarcophagus. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2026 Cronin takes the legend of the mummy out of its sarcophagus by removing it from Egypt and throwing it into a domestic American home. — Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sarcophagus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcophagus
Noun
  • After both sisters had abdicated planning the memorial, logistical matters—the casket and its transport, the readings, and, yes, the flowers—had fallen to the front desk volunteer of a church my grandmother no longer attended.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Terrones looked on at the black casket holding her youngest boy, the goofball who loved his family, the one who had longed for her support while she was detained.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The coffin with the remains arrived at a central square in Sofia, where it was welcomed by thousands of Bulgarians.
    — COSTAS KANTOURIS, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Now, the book basically confirms the GOAT’s unretirement was the nail in the coffin.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Nearby was the city’s Jewish graveyard, where the tombs are laid out around a steep flight of steps.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The Valley of the Kings and the tombs of Tutankhamun and Seti I.
    — Guy Bigiaoui, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sarcophagus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcophagus. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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