as in to attack
to kill (someone) for refusing to give up a belief or cause
—usually used as (be) martyred
He was martyred for his religious beliefs.
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Recent Examples of martyr
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 3 May 2025
The invocation of an actual legend and martyr of the sport—Senna died in 1994, after a crash at the San Marino Grand Prix—is meant to supply a jolt of gravitas.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 24 Dec. 2024
He apparently was martyred in Azerbaijan, which is an interesting tidbit.
—Alice Burton, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for martyr
Verb
While Babbitt’s death was viewed as a direct consequence of her own actions by many, the 36-year-old Air Force veteran became a martyr to MAGA loyalists.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 3 May 2025
The invocation of an actual legend and martyr of the sport—Senna died in 1994, after a crash at the San Marino Grand Prix—is meant to supply a jolt of gravitas.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 June 2025
Noun
The myths are impossible to confirm hundreds of years later, Beach said, but the story is that Magnus was a Roman soldier who helped gather Christians to be martyred.
—Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 24 Dec. 2024
He apparently was martyred in Azerbaijan, which is an interesting tidbit.
—Alice Burton, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for martyr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for martyr
Verb
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In 1940: The Battle of Britain began as German forces bombed shipping convoys in the English Channel, attacking its ports and radar stations.—
Lorenzino Estrada,
AZCentral.com,
10 July 2025
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The hitting coach pointed to Volpe’s weight shift in his back legs being out of sync, which leads to pitchers being able to attack him on breaking and off-speed pitches.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Corder's funeral was held on July 11, with colleagues and city officials honoring his service and sacrifice.—
Drake Bentley,
jsonline.com,
12 July 2025
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The percentage is small, in part, because military service demands an unusually high level of commitment and sacrifice.—
Terina Allen,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Jon Burge extracted a false confession from Wilson by beating him and torturing him with electrical shocks, according to Wilson’s lawsuit.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
10 July 2025
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Some were arrested, some allegedly tortured, others beaten up, even killed, according to Azeri media.—
Melik Kaylan,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Noun
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But just like the dollars that will stay in many taxpayers' pockets and add $3.8 trillion to the national debt, there are large sums for industry packed into the 870-page law, making several winners and losers.—
Jim Sergent,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
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For investors, developers, and tenants, the message is clear: The forthcoming shakeout from America’s return to office will create distinct winners and losers, with the South leading the way into recovery.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
10 July 2025
Verb
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This is the meat of the film, tormenting Jeanne with all the possibilities (a friendly policeman tracks Suzanne to Belgium, where the trail goes cold).—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
10 July 2025
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Jeon, another accomplished actress, known for her roles in Harbin, Glitch and Vincenzo, also creates a relatable character, one tormented by her own visions of evil.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Verb
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The senator from New Jersey and the governor of Kentucky both urged Democrats from around Florida to restore their party’s image, offered prescriptions for a resurgence, and inspired inspiration for party activists anguished about what’s happening under President Donald Trump.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2025
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Mayor Ron Nirenberg said he and his wife, Erika Prosper, are anguished over the loss of life and hope anyone missing is found safe.—
Dennis Romero,
NBC news,
13 June 2025
Verb
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There may be no animal that has been more revered and reviled, romanticized and persecuted, adopted and murdered than the coyote.—
Helen Whybrow
July 7,
Literary Hub,
7 July 2025
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Asylum seekers must prove their government is persecuting them or that they're being persecuted by someone who the government is unable or unwilling to stop.—
Victoria Moorwood,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Verb
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With water crises increasingly plaguing other areas of the country, Central Arkansas is positioning itself as a destination for sustainable economic growth.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
11 July 2025
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Kobe Bufkin, Hawks The rare third-year player showing up at summer league, Bufkin had a rough summer in his 2023 rookie season and has been plagued by injuries ever since, only appearing in 27 games over his first two seasons.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Martyr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/martyr. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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