What does "messiah" mean?
The one who is ordained by God to lead the people of Israel, believed by Christians and Muslims to be Jesus Christ.
Messiah
/məˈsaɪ.ə/ name, noun
name, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The one who is ordained by God to lead the people of Israel, believed by Christians and Muslims to be Jesus Christ.
- Grammar: messiah is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: christ, bell cow, bell mare, bellwether.
- Useful contrasts: antichrist, false savior, oppressor.
- Usage evidence: According to Judaism, Elijah will return to herald the coming of the Messiah.
How to use "messiah"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "messiah" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "messiah" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "messiah" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "messiah" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "messiah" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "christ" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "messiah", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The one who is ordained by God to lead the people of Israel, believed by Christians and Muslims to be Jesus Christ.
- 2 any expected deliverer wordnet
- 3 A similar religious figure or awaited divine ruler, such as the Islamic Mahdi. broadly
"The spice exists on only one planet in the entire universe- a desolate, dry planet with vast deserts. Hidden away within the rocks of these deserts are a people known as the Fremen, who have long held a prophecy, that a man would come, a messiah, who would lead them to true freedom. The planet is Arrakis, also known as Dune."
- 4 An extremely powerful or revered figure. figuratively
"At its best, psychoanalysis is the classic therapeutic technique for exploring unconscious processes. At its less-than-best, it is a jargon-opacified oedipus-complicated, libido-theoretical, pseudo-scientific cult whose messiah is Sigmund Freud."
Proper Noun
- 1 The promised and expected savior or liberator of the Jewish people. Judaism
- 2 A saviour or liberator of a group of people.
- 3 Jesus Christ.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"According to Judaism, Elijah will return to herald the coming of the Messiah."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "messiah"?
Common synonyms include: christ, bell cow, bell mare, bellwether, born leader, charismatic leader.
How do you use "messiah" in a sentence?
According to Judaism, Elijah will return to herald the coming of the Messiah.
How do you pronounce "messiah"?
Pronounced /məˈsaɪ.ə/.
Etymology
From Middle English Messyas, Messy, Messie, from Latin Messīās, from Hellenistic Ancient Greek Μεσσίας (Messías), from Aramaic ܡܫܺܝܚܳܐ (məšīḥā), from Biblical Hebrew מָשִׁיחַ (māšîaḥ, “anointed”). Doublet of Masih and Moshiach.