Synonyms of reverence

reverence 1 of 2

verb

ˈrev-rən(t)s 

as in to venerate

to offer honor or respect to (someone) as a divine power

devotees coming to reverence their god

Synonyms & Similar Words

• venerate
• worship
• revere
• honor
• respect
• praise
• admire
• love
• adore
• regard
• glorify
• deify
• exalt
• dignify
• please
• extol
• delight
• laud
• lionize
• apotheosize
• gratify
• satisfy
• magnify
• canonize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• violate
• outrage
• scorn
• insult
• ridicule
• profane
• desecrate
• blaspheme
• slight
• dishonor
• offend
• disrespect
• affront
• displease
• disparage
• libel
• pique
• slander
• smear
• defame
• malign
• slur

reverence

2 of 2

noun

as in deference

Related Words

• deference
• veneration
• adoration
• worship
• glorification
• idolatry
• deification
• adulation
• idealization
• respect
• esteem
• idolization
• fondness
• worshipping
• affection
• love
• appreciation
• liking
• hero worship
• romanticization
• approval
• like
• regard
• fancy
• favor

Dissimilar Words

• hatred
• dismissal
• condemnation
• disregard
• disapproval
• scorn
• dislike
• loathing
• disfavor

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reverence differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reverence are adore, revere, venerate, and worship. While all these words mean "to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully," reverence presupposes an intrinsic merit and inviolability in the one honored and a similar depth of feeling in the one honoring.

reverenced the academy's code of honor

When can adore be used instead of reverence?

The words adore and reverence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adore implies love and stresses the notion of an individual and personal attachment.

we adored our doctor

When is it sensible to use revere instead of reverence?

While the synonyms revere and reverence are close in meaning, revere stresses deference and tenderness of feeling.

a professor revered by her students

Where would venerate be a reasonable alternative to reverence?

In some situations, the words venerate and reverence are roughly equivalent. However, venerate implies a holding as holy or sacrosanct because of character, association, or age.

heroes still venerated

In what contexts can worship take the place of reverence?

The synonyms worship and reverence are sometimes interchangeable, but worship implies homage usually expressed in words or ceremony.

worships their memory

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of reverence

Verb

But Pi is precociously enlightened, his innocence not a problem to be rectified but a quality to be reverenced. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025

But Trump also reverenced the tough job Emmer has in keeping the GOP majority together, with which Emmer is all too familiar after the chaotic last two years. —Emily Brooks, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025

Noun

Love for metal doesn’t have to come saddled with the baggage of reverence. —Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 8 June 2026

His name was spoken with the same reverence reserved for larger-than-life sports figures such as Reggie Jackson. —Jonathan Grella, Boston Herald, 8 June 2026