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Synonyms

sacred

American  
[sey-krid] / ˈseɪ krɪd /

adjective

  1. devoted or dedicated to a deity or to some religious purpose; consecrated.

  2. entitled to veneration or religious respect by association with divinity or divine things; holy.

    Synonyms:
    venerable, divine
    Antonyms:
    blasphemous
  3. pertaining to or connected with religion (secular orprofane ).

    sacred music;

    sacred books.

  4. reverently dedicated to some person, purpose, or object.

    a morning hour sacred to study.

    Synonyms:
    consecrated
  5. regarded with reverence.

    the sacred memory of a dead hero.

    Synonyms:
    revered
  6. secured against violation, infringement, etc., as by reverence or sense of right.

    sacred oaths; sacred rights.

    Synonyms:
    sacrosanct
  7. properly immune from violence, interference, etc., as a person or office.

    Synonyms:
    inviolable, inviolate

sacred British  
/ ˈseɪkrɪd /

adjective

  1. exclusively devoted to a deity or to some religious ceremony or use; holy; consecrated

  2. worthy of or regarded with reverence, awe, or respect

  3. protected by superstition or piety from irreligious actions

  4. connected with or intended for religious use

    sacred music

  5. dedicated to; in honour of

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See holy.

Other Word Forms

  • nonsacred adjective
  • nonsacredly adverb
  • nonsacredness noun
  • pseudosacred adjective
  • sacredly adverb
  • sacredness noun
  • semisacred adjective
  • supersacred adjective
  • unsacred adjective
  • unsacredly adverb

Etymology

Origin of sacred

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, originally past participle of sacren “to consecrate,” from Latin sacrāre “to devote,” derivative of sacer “holy”; -ed 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He believes "religious convictions are no more sacred or untouchable than political convictions", and that public displays of both should be cast aside by those working for the state.

From BBC

Some social-media posters claimed that AI has created a cheaper alternative to the popular computer system, prompting backlash from traders who have a sacred bond with the terminal.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was a sacred part of our year.

From Literature

A sacred drum looted by French forces during its colonial rule in Ivory Coast has been returned to the country, more than a century after it was taken.

From BBC

"The human touch for little children is sacred and something that should be really protected and fought for," she added.

From BBC