Baptism — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈbap-ˌti-zəm/ bap·tism

Meaning & Definition of Baptism

Baptism (noun)

  1. a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community
  2. a non-Christian rite using water for ritual purification
  3. an act, experience, or ordeal by which one is purified, sanctified, initiated, or named

Baptism (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the process or an instance of being formally placed in an office or organization

    "the baptism of the new members of the college fraternity"

    similar: inaugural, inauguration, induction, initiation, installation, installment, investiture, investment
    related: enlistment, enrollment, promotion
    near: discharge, removal

Related Entry: Baptism of fire (phrase)

Baptism of fire is a different word from Baptism. The synonyms below are for baptism of fire, not for baptism.

  1. a test of faith, patience, or strength

    "The EMT received a baptism of fire when she was called to a serious emergency her first day on the job."

    similar: cross, crucible, fire, gauntlet, ordeal, trial
    related: baptism, initiation, adversity, affliction, asperity, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap, privation, tragedy, tribulation, trouble, vicissitude, woe, acid test, litmus test, challenge, complication, difficulty, grief, grievance, hardship, rigor, annoyance, discomfort, inconvenience, nuisance

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Baptism

The most common words with a similar meaning to Baptism:

inaugural, inauguration, induction, initiation, installation, installment, investiture, investment

Related Words for Baptism

enlistment, enrollment, promotion

Near Antonyms of Baptism

discharge, removal

Word Forms of Baptism

Derived words: baptismal (adjective), baptismally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Baptism

Middle English baptisme

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Baptism

baptism of fire

Frequently Asked Questions about Baptism

What does "Baptism" mean?

"Baptism" means a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community. As a noun, it is defined as: a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community.

What is another word for "Baptism"?

Other words for "Baptism" include inaugural, inauguration, induction, initiation, installation, installment, investiture and investment. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Baptism" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Baptism"?

There are 11 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Baptism". Common alternatives include inaugural, inauguration, induction, initiation, installation, installment, investiture and investment.

How do you use "Baptism" in a sentence?

Examples of "Baptism" in a sentence: "the baptism of the new members of the college fraternity".

Is "Baptism" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Baptism" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Baptism"?

"Baptism" is pronounced /ˈbap-ˌti-zəm/ and divided into syllables as bap·tism.

What is the origin of the word "Baptism"?

"Baptism" comes from Middle English baptisme. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Baptism" meaning "the process or an instance of being formally placed in an office or organization"?

When "Baptism" (noun) means the process or an instance of being formally placed in an office or organization, synonyms include inaugural, inauguration, induction, initiation, installation and installment.