ho·li·ness
ˈhō-lē-nəs 
1
: the quality or state of being holy
—used as a title for various high religious dignitaries
His Holiness the Pope
often capitalized
: emphasizing the doctrine of the second blessing
specifically
: of or relating to a perfectionist movement arising in U.S. Protestantism in the late 19th century
Synonyms
Examples of holiness in a Sentence
Noun
the holiness of this sacred place
known throughout the world for his holiness, the prophet was visited daily by hundreds of pilgrims
Recent Examples on the Web
Jonathan Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2012
The Ally has chosen sink themselves with pomposity, a humorless sense of holiness, or, worse still, plain canniness — a cynical nod to the selling power of relevance lurking inside a righteous agenda.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2024
Instead of a display of holiness, wearing ashes means something else entirely.
—Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024
White In the Bible, white refers to purity, light, and holiness associated with the Christmas holiday.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for holiness 
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.
Noun
The priests focused mostly on holiness, the prophets on justice and compassion, and the royal courtiers on practical wisdom.
—Jonathan Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2012
The Ally has chosen sink themselves with pomposity, a humorless sense of holiness, or, worse still, plain canniness — a cynical nod to the selling power of relevance lurking inside a righteous agenda.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2024
Instead of a display of holiness, wearing ashes means something else entirely.
—Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024
White In the Bible, white refers to purity, light, and holiness associated with the Christmas holiday.
—Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2023
See all Example Sentences for holiness
Dictionary Entries Near holiness
Cite this Entry
“Holiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holiness. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share