SANCTIFY Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

sanctify

verb

ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-ˌfī

Definition of sanctify

as in to purge

to free from moral guilt or blemish especially ceremonially received the sacrament of penance, whereby they were sanctified and restored to divine grace

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to bless

to make holy through prayers or ritual sanctify the bread for Communion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sanctify But far from celebrating or sanctifying the throwing off of English rule, the story’s shocking ending portrays the patriots as a fiendish mob, and casts doubt on the bedrock American faith in prosperity. — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026 When a couple marry in a church, synagogue or mosque, the ceremony does more than sanctify a union. — Peter McGraw, The Conversation, 23 Apr. 2026 Like much of the first half of the episode, before the plane crash, this gala sequence is shot in silky gold colors, as if John and Carolyn had already been sanctified. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 There was no contradiction for these women in using sacred imagery to dramatize erotic love, or Scripture to sanctify desire. — Chandler Fritz, The New York Review of Books, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sanctify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sanctify

Verb

Similar to purging in home organizing, Keen says to look for images that spark joy, like Marie Kondo-style decluttering.

— Staff Author, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026
Black and female military officers have been purged or denied promotion.

— Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of purge

Verb

Not for nothing has White Barn Inn been blessed with just about every hospitality and dining award possible—from the endless applause of regional magazines and AAA five diamond ratings to a spot on Traveler's Gold List.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Heads of state, parents of book recipients, music fans, movie fans and, like me, women who felt blessed to have had such a glamorous role model publicly mourned the loss.

— Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of bless

Verb

The technique already plays a major role in biotechnology, where manufacturers use it to purify complex compounds and biologic medicines.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Puerto Rico’s governor had declared a state of emergency in late July because of the persistent dry conditions and activated the National Guard to transport, distribute, and purify water.

— Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of purify

Verb

The King’s wife, Queen Mette-Marit, is also expected to be consecrated during the ceremony.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026
Still, there were only eight African Anglican clergy in Kenya by 1920, and the first Kenyan bishops would not be consecrated until 1955.

— Stephanie TriplettAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of consecrate

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sanctifies

sanctify

sanctifying

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

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Synonyms of sanctify

verb

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