saintly

adjective

saint·​ly ˈsānt-lē 

saintlier; saintliest

: relating to, resembling, or befitting a saint : holy

saintliness noun

Synonyms of saintly

• pious
• devout
• religious
• sainted
• holy
• reverent

Examples of saintly in a Sentence

a saintly man who devoted his life to caring for the dying

Recent Examples on the Web

Prudhomme smiles with saintly patience as a gentleman takes an age to take a selfie. — Andy McGrath, New York Times, 11 July 2026

As if value just floats in thin air and evil aldermen are firing bazookas in its saintly direction. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026

That’s not to say Rastignac is portrayed as a saintly figure. — Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026

Nigel once again steps in as a saintly father figure with access to a to-die-for sample closet. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for saintly

• faintly
• quaintly

Kids Definition

saintly

adjective

saint·​ly ˈsānt-lē 

saintlier; saintliest

: relating to, resembling, or proper for a saint : holy

saintliness noun