burial
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for burial, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of placing a dead body into the ground.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use burial
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
burial site
burial ground
live burial
Etymology
From an Old English word related to "bury", though its ending was originally misread as a plural and reshaped into today's form.
Full origin of burial →Frequently asked questions
What does “burial” mean?
The word “burial” means the act of placing a dead body into the ground. In plain terms, the ceremony or act of putting someone's body in the ground after death.
How do you pronounce “burial”?
“Burial” is pronounced BEH-ree-uhl (/ˈbɛɹi.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “burial” in a sentence?
Here is “burial” used in a sentence: “The family held a small burial at the local cemetery.”
What part of speech is “burial”?
“Burial” is a noun.
Where does the word “burial” come from?
The word “burial” comes from Old English. From an Old English word related to "bury", though its ending was originally misread as a plural and reshaped into today's form.
Is “burial” a common word?
“Burial” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a "burial" and a "funeral"?
A burial is the act of placing a dead body into the ground. A funeral is the ceremony held to honor and remember the person who has died. A funeral may include a burial, but the two are not the same thing.
What is the difference between "burial" and "cremation"?
Burial places a dead body into the ground, while cremation reduces the body to ashes through intense heat. They are two different methods of handling a body after death, and a person may choose one or the other.
What is the difference between "burial" and "interment"?
Both words refer to placing a dead body in the ground, and they are close synonyms. "Interment" is the more formal term, often used in official or ceremonial contexts, while "burial" is the everyday word.
What words commonly go with "burial"?
Common collocations include "burial ground," "burial site," "burial plot," and "proper burial." The phrase "burial at sea" describes committing a body to the ocean rather than the ground.
