spiritualize

verb

Definition of spiritualizenext
as in to sanctify

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of spiritualize Thought and speech — thought’s public projection — are both combined and spiritualized. — Brian T. Allen, National Review, 22 June 2019 None of this is intended to take away from the ambivalent and sometimes plainly harmful effects of attempts to spiritualize the pandemic. — Benjamin Kirby, Quartz Africa, 1 May 2020 The biblical Song of Solomon is a key scripture for the Zohar, and its lush gardens of desire are spiritualized into realms of sacred love, but without losing anything of their erotic passion. — Arthur Green, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiritualize
  1. sanctify
  2. baptize
  3. consecrate
  4. sacralize
  5. purify
  6. cleanse
  7. canonize
  8. hallow
Verb
  • The cruelest dimension of this is that a Christianity hijacked by the evangelical right now seeks to sanctify that mythology in the name of God.
    — Otis Moss III, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • But far from celebrating or sanctifying the throwing off of English rule, the story’s shocking ending portrays the patriots as a fiendish mob, and casts doubt on the bedrock American faith in prosperity.
    — John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
Definition of sanctify
Verb
  • According to her defense, Bland was experiencing hallucinations and believed she was being instructed to baptize her family members.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • Evan Bland said his wife insisted that everyone in the home needed to be baptized in the bathtub.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
Definition of baptize
Verb
  • In the late 1980s, its ‌founder ⁠Marcel Lefebvre consecrated four bishops without the approval of Pope John Paul II, leading those involved to be excommunicated.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • In 1988 Archbishop Lefebvre consecrated four bishops without the approval of Pope John Paul II.
    — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
Definition of consecrate
Verb
  • The coronation merely confirms and sacralizes his inheritance.
    — Matt Ford, The New Republic, 5 May 2023
Definition of sacralize
Verb
  • And here, the researchers simply purified the translation machinery and supplied it to the SpudCells.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2026
  • The disposable wand purifies red, white and sparkling wines while enhancing the natural taste, aroma and color of the wine.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
Definition of purify
Verb
  • Naturally, there’s a spa too, specializing in hammam rituals that include a foam massage and hair cleansing to wash out that Bosphorus brine.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 1 July 2026
  • Once your makeup is removed and your face is cleansed, add a hydrating cream like the All About Eyes Lightweight Eye Cream, then use the De-Puffing Eye Roller in the morning to awaken and brighten your eyes for the day.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 26 June 2026
Definition of cleanse
Verb
  • This is the Tricky sound canonized.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026
  • After her death she was canonized by the Catholic Church and recognized as the patron saint of immigrants.
    — Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Definition of canonize
Verb
  • Yet, these grounds were hallowed to the African American community.
    — Chip Colwell, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2025
  • In a new political environment in which none of the new leaders could claim to be revolutionary founding fathers, Deng’s blessing hallowed Jiang and Hu and helped ensure that each survived the vicissitudes of succession politics.
    — Jonathan A. Czin, Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2025
Definition of hallow

Browse Nearby Words

spirituality
spiritualize
spiritualized
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Cite this Entry

“Spiritualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiritualize. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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