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.
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 Near the sacrificial altar, the rest of the imperial family waits. — Lavender Au, The Dial, 30 June 2026 Interestingly, these sacrificial bonds selectively break at the site of impact when struck by a high-speed object. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026 For instance, Jade has been trying to come up with a plan to get a team of townsfolk into the tunnels, into the sacrificial chamber, and out with the bones of the children. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sacrificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sacrificial. Accessed 10 Jul. 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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