Definition of consecratenext

consecrate

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb consecrate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of consecrate are dedicate, devote, and hallow. While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

When can dedicate be used instead of consecrate?

While the synonyms dedicate and consecrate are close in meaning, dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

When would devote be a good substitute for consecrate?

The meanings of devote and consecrate largely overlap; however, devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.

devoted his evenings to study

When is it sensible to use hallow instead of consecrate?

In some situations, the words hallow and consecrate are roughly equivalent. However, hallow, often differing little from dedicate or consecrate, may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity.

battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

How does the verb consecrate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of consecrate are dedicate, devote, and hallow. While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

When can dedicate be used instead of consecrate?

While the synonyms dedicate and consecrate are close in meaning, dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

When would devote be a good substitute for consecrate?

The meanings of devote and consecrate largely overlap; however, devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.

devoted his evenings to study

When is it sensible to use hallow instead of consecrate?

In some situations, the words hallow and consecrate are roughly equivalent. However, hallow, often differing little from dedicate or consecrate, may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity.

battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

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 consecrate
Adjective
Lana Del Rey doesn’t toy with signs—of American glamour and its decay, of female melancholia and racial desire—so much as consecrate them. Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2023
Verb
Rob practiced celebrating the Mass by draping a sheet over an ironing board in the basement and consecrating Necco wafers. Paul Elie, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026 The zenith of the SSPX’s feud with the Vatican followed Lefebvre’s decision in 1988 to illicitly consecrate four bishops without Rome’s approval and in explicit disregard of warnings from then-Pope John Paul II. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consecrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consecrate
Adjective
  • Prosecutors also wrote in that filing that Jalloh suggested to an FBI source that Ramadan, a holy month in the Islamic calendar, was a good time to conduct an attack.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The day before Ramadan began, ICNA Relief hosted its annual Ramadan Food Box giveaway, where families came for $75 worth of items like dates, lentils, flour, oil, vermicelli and other essentials commonly used during the holy month.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Don Philpott, the president of the Wekiva Wilderness Trust, who was recently recognized for dedicating 35,000 hours of volunteering with the Florida Park Service, has spent the last 15 years researching the history of Ethel and the surrounding area.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Teams dedicate years training folks in portal communities to protect their lands and gain practical skills in tourism, conservation, and hospitality.
    The Editors, Outside, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And yes, because we are blessed with famous weather, whole neighborhoods and districts can risk spilling out into the sidewalks, where laughs get louder, music gets blasted and the street fashion becomes a runway.
    Elisa Wouk Almino Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Of Course Jennifer Tilly Has Seen a Ghost Jennifer Tilly is blessed with an abundance of lore.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • While the day has yet to reach its full potential as a promotional platform, plans are underway to build an event around it, further positioning Kojima as Japan’s sacred ground for denim.
    Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
  • For example, this chocolate-making workshop teaches guests about how cacao held sacred significance in both Mayan and Aztec cultures.
    Latifah Al Hazza, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • From 1969 until his death in 2013, Goenka devoted his life to spreading Ba Khin’s teachings globally while retaining his Hindu identity.
    Daniel M. Stuart, The Conversation, 16 Mar. 2026
  • Tony has fully jumped into our theatre program devoting himself to straight plays and musical theatre.
    Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The ashes are consecrated with holy water and incense before being administered.
    Catherine Messier, The Providence Journal, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Recently listed with Savills for €36 million (about $42 million), the sprawling property doesn’t just have a grand residence but also an authentic castle, along with a consecrated 12th-century church, its own vineyard, and olive groves.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Consecrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consecrate. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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