dignify

verb

dig·​ni·​fy ˈdig-nə-ˌfī How to pronounce dignify (audio)
dignified; dignifying
Synonyms of dignifynext

transitive verb

1
: to give distinction to : ennoble
2
: to confer dignity upon
They hoped formal clothing would help dignify the occasion.
also : to give undue attention or status to
won't dignify that remark with a reply

Synonyms of dignify

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Examples of dignify in a Sentence

She felt that formal clothing would help dignify the occasion. He said he wouldn't dignify his opponents' accusations by responding to them.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Rather than a piece of writing dignified by money, the work of writing is dignified by a reader’s time. — M. C. Mah, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026 The incarnation dignified the material world, which is good, though in constant need of repair and healing. — Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026 This deeply affecting memoir, which is strung like a wire between the alienation of the assembly line and the dignifying promise of literature, documents his experience. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 That’s what dignified the Rolling Stones. — Jeff Miller, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dignify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dignifien, from Middle French dignifier, from Late Latin dignificare, from Latin dignus worthy — more at decent

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dignify was in the 15th century

Rhymes for dignify

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Browse Nearby Words

dignified
dignify
dignitarial
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Cite this Entry

“Dignify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dignify. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dignify

verb
dig·​ni·​fy ˈdig-nə-ˌfī How to pronounce dignify (audio)
dignified; dignifying
: to give dignity or importance to : honor
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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