entombed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entombed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has been buried or sealed away, often in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "The ancient pharaoh was entombed in a lavish burial chamber filled with treasures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Distraught relatives lined up yesterday at an improvised morgue in a bloodstained alleyway to identify some of those mangled and entombed in Saturday's quake, which measured 7.6 on the Richter scale.

The Guardian

Apparently his body was brought from Constantinople in the 4th century, and is entombed in the cathedral, a fascinating architectural fusion of Moorish and European styles.

The Guardian - Travel

The discovery, a few years ago, of several dozen entombed Bronze Age settlements, about 15km north-north-west of the volcano, is today showing that Vesuvius is able to devastate a far wider region than succumbed in 79AD.Nola is one of the best preserved of these sites.

The Economist

Of these, 66 were fully dismantled or are still in the process of being torn down, while 48 are in safe-storage and three have been entombed.

The Economist

The body of the former prime minister is buried under a tall granite arch next to Holy Trinity Cathedral where Haile Selassie, the last Ethiopian emperor, is entombed.

The Economist

There is still some guesswork for instance, for the number of unrecorded burials, victims entombed in collapsed buildings, and Iraqi troops killed by coalition bombs.

The Economist

On a good day, she collects around 50 rupees (60 cents) from the travellers who stop to pray.All the traffic, on that recent sunny day, was bound for the nearby town of Sehwan Sharif, where Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, one of Pakistan's most prominent Sufi saints, is entombed.

The Economist

Hitler is almost universally vilified; Lenin remains entombed on Red Square as Russia's most distinguished corpse; and modern Russia is looking more kindly on Stalin's memory.Robert Gellately elegantly scrutinises their differences and highlights their similarities.

The Economist

Those ambitions are currently entombed in Congress and his own weakness.

The Economist

Two villages, Panabaj and Tzanchaj, were entombed by a mudflow half a mile wide and an estimated 15-20 feet deep.

The Economist

By the 28th at least 880 people were confirmed dead in five provinces; the toll could yet reach 2,000, said one guess, though many of the dead lie entombed under smashed buildings.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "entombed", ensure the context aligns with the sense of being completely enclosed or buried, whether literally or metaphorically. Consider the emotional weight the word carries, as it often implies a sense of finality or being trapped.

Common error

Avoid using "entombed" in overly casual or informal situations where simpler words like "buried" or "covered" would suffice. The formality of "entombed" can sound out of place if the situation does not warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "entombed" is as a verb in the past participle form. It is often used passively to describe something that has been placed in a tomb or enclosed space. Ludwig AI confirms that is appropriate for standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

34%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "entombed", a verb in past participle form, describes the act of being placed or sealed in a tomb or enclosure, often with a sense of finality. Ludwig AI classifies it as grammatically correct and widely applicable, especially in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. While semantically related to words like "buried" and "interred", "entombed" carries a more formal and evocative connotation. It’s essential to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in informal settings to maintain its impact. Common alternatives include ""buried"", ""interred"", and ""sealed away"", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

buried alive

This phrase emphasizes the horror of being buried while still living.

sealed away

Focuses on the act of being completely closed off from the outside.

interred

A formal term for burial, often used in ceremonial contexts.

laid to rest

A euphemistic expression for burial, emphasizing peace and finality.

encased

Suggests being enclosed or surrounded by a protective or restrictive layer.

enshrined

Implies being preserved and honored, often in a tomb or sacred place.

walled in

Highlights the physical confinement by walls or barriers.

immured

Means to enclose within walls, often implying imprisonment or seclusion.

sepulchered

Related to being placed in a sepulcher or tomb, indicating a more elaborate burial.

covered up

Suggests concealing something, often to hide it from view or knowledge.

FAQs

How is "entombed" typically used in a sentence?

The word "entombed" usually describes something or someone that has been buried or sealed within a tomb or other enclosure. For example: "The pharaoh was "entombed" in a golden sarcophagus."

What are some alternatives to using "entombed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "buried", "interred", "sealed away", or "laid to rest".

Is there a difference between "entombed" and "buried"?

"Buried" is a more general term for covering something with earth or another substance. "Entombed" specifically implies being placed in a tomb or sealed enclosure, often with ceremonial or historical significance. While both words denote covering, the second implies a more deliberate act of placement within a confined space.

Can "entombed" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "entombed" can be used metaphorically to describe something that is trapped, hidden, or completely surrounded. For example: "His ambitions were "entombed" by bureaucracy."