What does "sacrament" mean?
A sacred act and the attendant ceremony, considered (theology) an outward sign of divine grace, instituted by Jesus Christ.
Sacrament
/ˈsækɹəmənt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A sacred act and the attendant ceremony, considered (theology) an outward sign of divine grace, instituted by Jesus Christ.
- Grammar: sacrament is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: baptism, ceremonial, ceremonial sign, ceremony.
- Useful contrasts: profane act, secular ritual, secular symbol.
- Usage evidence: Love must be sanctified by marriage, and this passion becomes criminal if it's not consecrated by a sacrament.
How to use "sacrament"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sacrament" 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 "sacrament" 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 "sacrament" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sacrament" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sacrament" is acting as noun, verb 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 "baptism" 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.
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Final meaning check
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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 A sacred act and the attendant ceremony, considered (theology) an outward sign of divine grace, instituted by Jesus Christ.
"Priest: I'm sorry, it's Duncan Dirk Dick. I've just done it. / Father: Well, undo it. / Priest: Undo it? / Father: Yes. / Priest: This is a holy sacrament of the Church, not a bleeding hotel reservation. You can't just undo it."
- 2 a formal religious ceremony conferring a specific grace on those who receive it; the two Protestant ceremonies are baptism and the Lord's Supper; in the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church there are seven traditional rites accepted as instituted by Jesus: baptism and confirmation and Holy Eucharist and penance and holy orders and matrimony and extreme unction wordnet
- 3 The Eucharist.
- 4 The consecrated Eucharist (especially the bread).
- 5 Anything regarded as possessing a sacred character or mysterious significance. broadly
"God ſometimes ſent a light of fire, and pillar of a cloud, and the brightneſſe of an Angel, and the luſtre of a ſtar, and the ſacrament of a rainbovve to guide his people thorovv their portion of ſorrovvs, and to lead them through troubles to reſt: […]"
Show 1 more definition
- 6 The oath of allegiance taken by soldiers in Ancient Rome; hence, any sacred ceremony used to impress an obligation; a solemn oath-taking; an oath. Ancient-Rome
"I'll take the sacrament on 't."
Verb
- 1 To bind by an oath. transitive
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
profane actsecular ritualsecular symbol
Example
"Love must be sanctified by marriage, and this passion becomes criminal if it's not consecrated by a sacrament."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sacrament"?
Common synonyms include: baptism, ceremonial, ceremonial sign, ceremony, confirmations, consecrated rite.
How do you use "sacrament" in a sentence?
Love must be sanctified by marriage, and this passion becomes criminal if it's not consecrated by a sacrament.
How do you pronounce "sacrament"?
Pronounced /ˈsækɹəmənt/.
Etymology
From Middle English sacrament, from Old French sacrement, from Ecclesiastical Latin sacrāmentum (“sacrament”), from Latin sacrō (“hallow, consecrate”), from sacer (“sacred, holy”), originally sum deposited by parties to a suit.