sanctity

noun

sanc·​ti·​ty ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-tē How to pronounce sanctity (audio)
plural sanctities
Synonyms of sanctity
1
: holiness of life and character : godliness
2
a
: the quality or state of being holy or sacred : inviolability
b
sanctities plural : sacred objects, obligations, or rights

Synonyms of sanctity

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Examples of sanctity in a Sentence

the sanctity of the elderly nun shone through in her every word and gesture
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.
The rest of the world is watching the crumbling of America’s economic relationship with its closest trading partner, and an administration that is calling into question the sanctity of free trade agreements generally. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 Some, like Uthmeier, claim that use of such vaccines goes against the church’s belief in the sanctity of life. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 There might be no better time to assert the sanctity of life. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026 In the grander scheme of NBA lore, preserving the sanctity of rivalry. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sanctity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English saunctite, from Anglo-French sainteté, from Latin sanctitat-, sanctitas, from sanctus sacred

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sanctity was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

sanctitude
sanctity
sanctoral
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

sanctity

noun
sanc·​ti·​ty ˈsaŋ(k)-tət-ē How to pronounce sanctity (audio)
plural sanctities
1
: holiness sense 1, saintliness
2
: the quality or state of being holy or sacred
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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