sacred
/ˈseɪkrɪd/
ADJECTIVE
1. Holy or consecrated
Characterized by religious significance or use; made holy through consecration, dedication, or religious ceremony.
1.1. Holiness and consecration
Describes something regarded as holy or dedicated to a religious purpose, especially through consecration or blessing.
Synonyms
- holy
- hallowed
- consecrated
- sanctified
- blessed
- blest
Antonyms
- profane
- unholy
- unhallowed
- unconsecrated
- unsacred
- deconsecrated
- desacralized
Examples
- The ancient temple stood as a testament to the sacred history of the civilization.
- The worn pages of the family Bible held the sacred words that guided generations.
Related Words
- anointed
- enshrined
- glorified
- venerated
- worshiped
- worshipped
- sacral
- sacramental
- sacrosanct
ADJECTIVE
2. Religious rather than secular
Relating to religion, religious worship, or the practices and services of a faith rather than to secular matters.
2.1. Religion and religious practices
Describes ceremonies, objects, traditions, or activities associated with religion and religious worship.
Synonyms
- religious
- devotional
- liturgical
- ceremonial
- ritual
- priestly
Antonyms
- secular
- nonreligious
- irreligious
- lay
- profane
Examples
- The elders passed down stories of the sacred rituals performed during celestial events.
Related Words
- biblical
- scriptural
- churchly
- ecclesial
- ecclesiastical
- canonical
- clerical
- ministerial
- sacerdotal
- pastoral
ADJECTIVE
3. Spiritual or metaphysical
Concerned with spiritual matters, the supernatural, or realities beyond the physical world.
3.1. Spiritual and supernatural significance
Describes something associated with spiritual existence, divine influence, or supernatural significance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- As the sun set over the mountain, the landscape took on a sacred glow.
Related Words
- pious
- saintly
- immortal
- eternal
- everlasting
- celestial
- transcendent
ADJECTIVE
4. Worthy of reverence and veneration
Regarded as deserving the highest honor, obedience, respect, or religious reverence because of divine authority or exceptional significance.
4.1. Reverence and veneration
Describes a person, object, tradition, or principle considered highly worthy of honor, admiration, and profound respect.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- irreverent
- blasphemous
- sacrilegious
- contemptible
- despicable
- detestable
Examples
- The ancient temple stood as a testament to the sacred history of the civilization.
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
5. Inviolable or protected from violation
Regarded as so important or holy that it must not be profaned, violated, damaged, or interfered with.
5.1. Protection and inviolability
Describes something considered untouchable, inviolable, or protected from violation because of its exceptional importance or sacred status.
Synonyms
- sacrosanct
- inviolable
- inviolate
- untouchable
- unassailable
- secure
Antonyms
- profane
- vulnerable
- unprotected
- unholy
Examples
- In the quiet forest, there was a hidden grove believed to be a sacred sanctuary by the locals.
Related Words
- guarded
- protected
- shielded
- immune
- invulnerable
- exempt
ADJECTIVE
6. Dedicated or devoted to a purpose
Solemnly dedicated or devoted to a particular person, purpose, cause, or principle.
6.1. Dedication and devotion
Describes something devoted or dedicated to a particular purpose, person, or cause, often with solemn commitment.
Synonyms
- dedicated
- devoted
- consecrated
- enshrined
Examples
- The community regarded the memorial as sacred to the memory of those who had died.
Related Words
- committed
- cherished
- esteemed
- honored
- revered
VERB
7. To consecrate or make sacred
To dedicate or consecrate something to a sacred or religious purpose.
7.1. Consecrating and sanctifying
Refers to making a person, place, or object sacred through religious dedication or consecration.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- desecrate
- profane
- deconsecrate
- desacralize
Examples
- The priest performed a ceremony to consecrate the newly built chapel.