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
ˌsa-krə-ˈfi-shə-lē How to pronounce sacrificial (audio)
adverb

Examples of sacrificial in a Sentence

their sacrificial acts of self-denial
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
CT scans showed a full stomach, suggesting the boy had feasted before the sacrificial ceremony, as well as a dilated esophagus consistent with vomiting. — ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 Drake Baldwin, Joey Bart and Austin Riley have set the sacrificial pace with three beanings each. — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 24 July 2026 Near the sacrificial altar, the rest of the imperial family waits. — Lavender Au, The Dial, 30 June 2026 Lily even makes the self-sacrificial move at the film's climax to temporarily leave Bonnie, fearing that she's made things worse for the young girl. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sacrificial

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sacrificial was in 1607

Phrases Containing sacrificial

Rhymes for sacrificial

See All Rhymes for sacrificial

Browse Nearby Words

sacrificer
sacrificial
sacrificial lamb
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Cite this Entry

“Sacrificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sacrificial. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sacrificial

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