OpenSynonym

sacrificing

/ˈsækrəˌfaɪsɪŋ/

VERB

1. Offering something to a deity

To present something as a gift or offering to a god or deity as part of a religious act or ceremony.

1.1. Religious offerings and worship

Presenting or dedicating something to a deity as an act of worship, devotion, or religious observance.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The ancient community was sacrificing animals as part of its religious ceremonies.

Related Words

VERB

2. Giving up something valuable

To give away or surrender something valuable or desirable to gain something else of value or to avoid a greater loss.

2.1. Giving up personal interests or possessions

Relinquishing something valuable, such as personal time, comfort, freedom, opportunities, or possessions, for another purpose or benefit.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • retaining
  • keeping
  • preserving
  • holding on to

Examples

  • She was known for sacrificing her personal time to help those in need.
  • The athlete demonstrated dedication by consistently sacrificing leisure for rigorous training.
  • Sacrificing comfort, they chose a challenging path to pursue their passion.
  • In times of crisis, communities often come together, sacrificing for the greater good.
  • The leader emphasized the importance of teamwork and sacrificing individual desires for the success of the group.

Related Words

VERB

3. Trading something valuable for another benefit

To exchange something of higher value for something of lesser worth in order to obtain another valued benefit, maintain a relationship, or avoid a greater loss.

3.1. Making a trade-off or concession

Giving up a valuable asset, advantage, or interest in exchange for a different benefit or to preserve a relationship or objective.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The company was sacrificing short-term profits to maintain a valuable business relationship.

Related Words

  • compromising
  • concession
  • trade-off
  • exchange
  • conciliation

VERB

4. Giving up a piece in a strategic game

To intentionally give up a game piece in order to improve one's position on the board.

4.1. Strategic sacrifice in chess

Deliberately surrendering a chess piece to gain a tactical or positional advantage.

Synonyms

  • giving up a piece
  • conceding a piece
  • yielding a piece

Examples

  • The player is sacrificing a knight to open an attack against the opponent's king.

Related Words

  • gambit
  • chess tactic
  • combination
  • positional advantage

VERB

5. Advancing a runner in baseball

To advance a runner on base by batting the ball so that it can be caught or fielded, resulting in the batter being put out while the runner advances.

5.1. Baseball sacrifice plays

Deliberately hitting a sacrifice bunt or sacrifice fly to advance a baserunner at the expense of the batter.

Synonyms

  • advancing a runner
  • bunting

Examples

  • The batter is sacrificing to move the runner into scoring position.

Related Words

  • sacrifice bunt
  • sacrifice fly
  • baserunner
  • fielder's choice
  • force out

VERB

6. Selling below cost or actual value

To sell something at a price lower than its cost or actual value.

6.1. Selling at a financial loss

Accepting less than the cost or actual value of an item when selling it.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The retailer is sacrificing its remaining stock to clear inventory.

Related Words

  • markdown
  • clearance sale
  • price reduction
  • undervaluation

VERB

7. Destroying or killing

To destroy or kill someone or something, particularly as an offering or for a particular purpose.

7.1. Killing or destruction

Deliberately killing or destroying something, especially in a ritual or as part of a sacrifice.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • saving
  • sparing
  • preserving
  • protecting

Examples

  • The ritual involved sacrificing an animal as an offering to the gods.

Related Words