sanctity

noun

sanc·​ti·​ty ˈsaŋ(k)-tə-tē 

plural sanctities

1

: holiness of life and character : godliness

2

a

: the quality or state of being holy or sacred : inviolability

b

sanctities plural : sacred objects, obligations, or rights

Synonyms of sanctity

• holiness
• spirituality

Examples of sanctity in a Sentence

the sanctity of the elderly nun shone through in her every word and gesture

Recent Examples on the Web

Like with soccer, playing dirty only undermines the sanctity of the game. —Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026

Following the presentation of Martínez’s proposal, the Catholic Church echoed Pope Leo’s call to uphold the sanctity of life. —ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026

To ensure the sanctity of the grand jury, its proceedings and the identities of the grand jurors and witnesses are unavailable to the public. —Barbara Jaffe, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026

Even then, the sanctity of the home and the right to privacy were seen as core American principles, shared across the political spectrum. —Amanda Cats-Baril, Twin Cities, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English saunctite, from Anglo-French sainteté, from Latin sanctitat-, sanctitas, from sanctus sacred

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sanctity

noun

sanc·​ti·​ty ˈsaŋ(k)-tət-ē 

plural sanctities

1

: holiness sense 1, saintliness

2

: the quality or state of being holy or sacred