Definitions

self-sacrifice

[self-sak-ruh-fahys, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈsæk rəˌfaɪs, ˈsɛlf- /

NOUN

martyrdom

Synonyms

STRONGEST

persecution

STRONG

affliction agony anguish crucifixion devotion distress mortification ordeal pain sacrifice torment torture unselfishness

WEAK

agonizing self-immolation

Antonyms

STRONG

comfort contentment happiness health joy pleasure relief

WEAK

satisfaction

NOUN

quitclaim

Synonyms

STRONG

abandonment abjuration abnegation abstention cancellation denial disavowal disclaimer forswearing rebuff refusal relinquishment remission renouncement renunciation repeal repudiation resignation sacrifice self-abnegation self-denial surrender veto waiver yielding

WEAK

demission eschewal eschewing forbearing giving up spurning

Antonyms

STRONG

OK agreement allowance approval claim permission ratification sanction

NOUN

relinquishment

Synonyms

STRONG

abandonment abjuration abnegation abstention cancellation denial disavowal disclaimer forswearing quitclaim rebuff remission renouncement renunciation repeal repudiation resignation sacrifice self-abnegation self-denial surrender veto waiver yielding

WEAK

demission eschewal eschewing forbearing giving up spurning

Antonyms

STRONG

agreement allowance approval claim permission ratification sanction

NOUN

renunciation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disavowal repudiation

STRONG

abdication abjuration abnegation abstention cancellation denial disclaimer forswearing rebuff refusal relinquishment remission renouncement repeal resignation sacrifice self-abnegation self-denial surrender veto waiver yielding

WEAK

eschewal eschewing forbearing giving up spurning

Antonyms

STRONG

OK agreement allowance approval claim permission sanction

WEAK

condonement

NOUN

self-denial

Synonyms

STRONG

abnegation abstemiousness ascetic asceticism self-abnegation selflessness

Antonyms

WEAK

self-indulgence

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These men aren’t preaching Jesus Christ’s gospel of self-sacrifice and humility.

From Salon • May 4, 2026

The Guards Corps said in a statement it was "ready for complete obedience and self-sacrifice in carrying out the divine commands" of the younger Khamenei.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

He was neither financially stable nor ascetic enough to commit to the artist’s lot without the remarkable self-sacrifice of his wife, Annalee.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

"Spreading love and joy and caring for his people with endless self-sacrifice in his life and in his death, he towered above as one of the highest and holiest souls."

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

Because, she was sure, the kind of bond Mamma and Papa had would require a self-sacrifice she would never be okay making.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

self-sacrifice

Example Sentences

Related Words