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 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.
Now, fan favorite Andor, a rather bleak look at the rebellion from the perspective of Rogue One’s sacrificial hero Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), is coming back for a big, bold, second season. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 21 Apr. 2025 Both societies conducted sacrificial rituals as part of their spiritual practices. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025 Do the sacrificial goats imply that what Lumon is doing to Gemma has been done many times before? Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025 Brienne—sorry, Lorne—and Mr. Drummond (RIP) and the sacrificial baby goat! Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Sacrificial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sacrificial. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

sacrificial

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