baptism

noun

ˈbap-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce baptism (audio)
Definition of baptismnext
as in inauguration
the process or an instance of being formally placed in an office or organization the baptism of the new members of the college fraternity

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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 baptism In the padres’ careful records, burials far outstripped baptisms. — Literary Hub, 29 July 2026 Although enjoyed year-round, many Mexican families make this dish for special occasions, such as weddings or baptisms, or around the holidays, whether Thanksgiving or Christmas. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 21 July 2026 But all that changed in 1717, after father and son had an explosive row at the baptism of George Augustus’s son. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 9 July 2026 John the Baptist led his ministry and baptisms, including Jesus’, in the Valley. — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for baptism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for baptism
  1. inauguration
  2. inaugural
  3. initiation
Noun
  • Han was also charged with giving lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong, a Yoon loyalist, 100 million won ($73,000) months before Yoon’s inauguration in May 2022.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Presidency The political struggle continued through Arévalo’s inauguration.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of inauguration
Noun
  • Van Dijk and her fellow travelers even brought their own swag to give out and said inaugurals feel like a bonding experience for everyone on the flight.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 10 May 2026
  • In the inaugural Be Our Valentine campaign, HopeWorks aims to build a stronger network for survivors.
    — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of inaugural
Noun
  • People connected to the club told WSJ the initiation fee is close to $1 million, with annual dues of about $44,000.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes as part of an initiation ritual, pledges would allegedly cut and bag the cocaine in the fraternity houses before it was sold to other students.
    — ForbesTV, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of initiation

Phrases Containing baptism

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bantlings
baptism
baptismal name
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Cite this Entry

“Baptism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baptism. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on baptism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about baptism

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