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 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 Eight years later, she is found alive, wrapped up inside a sarcophagus. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026 Set in both Egypt and Albuquerque, New Mexico, Cronin’s wonderfully inventive script drags one of cinema’s oldest tropes out of its sarcophagus and into a modern American home. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Apr. 2026 There, layers of light green cloth cover a stone sarcophagus. Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sarcophagus
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sarcophagus
Noun
  • Branwell’s coffin was carried from the house and placed next to the other family caskets.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 May 2026
  • On the morning before Mother’s Day, Sariahh Snow’s small, lifeless body is one of eight – all children – lined in open white caskets along the front of a church hall in Shreveport, Louisiana.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Some relatives broke down upon seeing the coffins, as a Muslim cleric led funeral prayers under tight security.
    Riaz Khan, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • Zayn didn’t expect the equalizer – Lil Yachty – to rise out of the coffin and hit him with a candy cane.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • King Charles takes a moment to pay his respects while standing in front of the tomb.
    Staff Author Updated, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
  • Some audibly gasped and appeared in shock when it was announced that King Charles III and Queen Camilla would shortly be arriving to lay wreaths at the tomb.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

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“Sarcophagus.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sarcophagus. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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