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

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
Later that evening, Rocky himself made an appearance, effectively consecrating his own corner of the fair and Design.Space as a whole. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2025 Bergoglio was consecrated into the priesthood as a Jesuit, a religious order explicitly averse to moving up within the ranks of the church hierarchy. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for consecrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consecrate
Adjective
  • The not-quite-musical (the Shakers were known for their frenzied singing) and not-quite-biopic was recently acquired by Searchlight, with a suitably holy Christmas Day release planned.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The man reportedly circumvented barriers that surround the altar, climbed the steps and urinated on the holy structure.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Kardashian Barker made sure to dedicate two spots in her Instagram Carousel to show off the nighttime swim photos that her sister posted initially in October 2020.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Darrois revealed that, on his first day in jail, the ex-president dedicated some time to exercising, as well as starting to write his book.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Trinity community has been blessed by his presence.
    Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Usually, the question was couched in politeness, but my students (bless them) had not yet learned to be subtle.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This rich resin is ancient yet modern, sacred yet sensual.
    Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
  • For those who treat their java ritual as a sacred chemistry experiment, the Fellow Tally Pro Precision scale, which has three modes for perfect proportions, is basically like having your own café.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In her victory speech, Takaichi promised to devote herself to the job.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Trump has devoted that attention to ending the war between Israel and Hamas.
    Barry Strauss, Time, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But there is more: a little way back from the water, knuckle-like boulders of sandstone or some other friable rock sharpen the ambience of a consecrated space.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Churches are fine, but consecrated Earth is dangerous to them.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • Judging by his big grin, though, the best topic was saved till last when asked to describe Estevao’s display.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • By benching Wilson, Denver made sure that he couldn’t get injured and was consequently able to save money on his release.
    Frank Nunns OConnell, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Consecrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consecrate. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on consecrate

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