sacrificial

adjective

sac·​ri·​fi·​cial ˌsa-krə-ˈfi-shəl How to pronounce sacrificial (audio)
1
: of, relating to, of the nature of, or involving sacrifice
2
: of or relating to a metal that serves as an anode which is electrolytically consumed instead of another metal that is present
sacrificially adverb

Examples of sacrificial in a Sentence

their sacrificial acts of self-denial
Recent Examples on the Web Schiff’s beneficence deserves much of the credit for ensuring what has become an all too common feature of California’s general elections: a statewide contest in which a Democrat will probably trounce a sacrificial Republican instead of facing real competition from within his own party. David Daley, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2024 The experience reminded Bassett of shooting Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, in which her character Queen Ramonda died by a tragic sacrificial drowning. Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 The burial of a part of an animal raised for the purpose of consumption is often interpreted as a sacrificial offering to the deceased, for instance. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024 Early on, the event included sacrificial ceremonies to honor gods and ancestors and had many myths, stories and older traditions associated with it. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 These animals are often present in what appears to be sacrificial rituals, funeral rites, and are frequently associated with specific deities from the time. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Feb. 2024 For many people, Lent is associated with giving up some luxury, like chocolate, as a sacrificial form of penance and self-discipline. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2024 The mollusk shells, called Spondylus shells, come from a spiny oyster that Maya royalty used as currency and jewelry—and even included in sacrificial rituals. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 The pig, cow, and chicken burials might’ve been sacrificial in nature, meant to serve and sustain the deceased in the afterlife. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sacrificial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sacrificial was in 1607

Dictionary Entries Near sacrificial

Cite this Entry

“Sacrificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sacrificial. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sacrificial

adjective
sac·​ri·​fi·​cial ˌsak-rə-ˈfish-əl How to pronounce sacrificial (audio)
: of or relating to sacrifice
sacrificially adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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