Synonyms of hallow

hallow

verb

ˈha-(ˌ)lō 

as in to bless

to make holy through prayers or ritual

Lincoln's memorable words at the Gettysburg battlefield, "we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bless
• consecrate
• sanctify
• dedicate
• sacralize
• devote
• purify
• cleanse
• spiritualize
• exorcise
• baptize
• canonize
• chasten
• exorcize
• expurgate
• lustrate
• commit
• reconsecrate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• desecrate
• soil
• defile
• profane
• dirty
• violate
• pollute
• taint
• blaspheme
• desanctify
• desacralize
• curse
• punish
• damn
• foul
• deconsecrate
• cuss
• condemn
• cast out
• execrate

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb hallow contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of hallow are consecrate, dedicate, and devote. While all these words mean "to set apart for a special and often higher end," hallow, often differing little from dedicate or consecrate, may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity.

battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

When could consecrate be used to replace hallow?

The words consecrate and hallow are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

When can dedicate be used instead of hallow?

The synonyms dedicate and hallow are sometimes interchangeable, but dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

In what contexts can devote take the place of hallow?

In some situations, the words devote and hallow are roughly equivalent. However, devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.

devoted his evenings to study

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hallow

So, this rom-com isn’t likely to crack the AFI Top 100, but John Tucker Must Die commands hallowed ground in the revenge-movie canon. —Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024

But long before stars like Hamilton, one name was hallowed: Ayrton Senna. —Marco Della Cava, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024

This week's quiz is highlighted by holidays, hallowed sites and competitions on the high seas — plus a few other surprises. —Kerry J. Byrne, Fox News, 1 Sep. 2024

The Olympics singles and doubles competition begins July 27 at Paris hallowed Roland Garros clay courts. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 July 2024

Which hallowed halls of top-tier higher education should their children consider? —Heather Wilhelm, National Review, 17 May 2024

For some people associated with the British Museum, the recent tumult made the larger questions of purpose that hallowed museums are facing only more pressing. —Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024

The iconic number is retired and hallowed in every big-league ballpark. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2024

Real boxing matches are televised or streamed just about every Saturday night, and so watching some fictional ones, no matter how hallowed, was never a top priority. —Kelefa Sanneh, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2023