GODLY Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

godly

adjective

ˈgäd-lē

Definition of godly

as in pious

showing a devotion to God and to a life of virtue a godly and humble man who will be richly rewarded in the next world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in divine

of, relating to, or being God a godly voice from the heavens commanded him to build an ark

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of godly Dozens of boys say they were abused in a Christian scouting program that vowed to raise godly men. — Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 22 May 2026 But this new condominium features more than a godly cityscape. — Michael Gross, Air Mail, 4 Apr. 2026 Baruch Spinoza argued for a singular godly substance of which everything in existence is an attribute. — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2026 Trump’s version of Christianity instead preaches no mercy for those against him, demands followers exalt him above everything, celebrates the gaudy instead of the godly. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for godly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for godly

Adjective

But the overall picture of religious infighting in 1640s Britain is essential to understanding how some people, especially poorer folk and especially women, found themselves on the wrong side of powerful, pious opponents.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
Romania is one of the most pious countries in the European Union, with around 85% of the population identifying as religious.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of pious

Adjective

Devout Catholic soldiers in blue coats and knee-breeches make the sign of the cross, invoking divine protection while performing this dangerous task.

— Tracey Teo, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Certainly, the ancient Greeks appreciated symmetry and precision in their architecture; it’s even been hypothesized that this symmetry was considered divine and thus represented religious dedication to the space.

— Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of divine

Adjective

Still, Beck didn’t seem to want to talk, in private or in the media, about having grown up as the child of a successful music-industry hustler — much less one who was so proudly and publicly involved with a controversial religious movement.

— Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Researching religious-art theft, Gurrea came across Erik the Belgian, a notorious thief who targeted churches across Spain during the 20th century.

— Callum McLennan, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of religious

Adjective

As well as being a holy site, Lourdes attracts around 3 million pilgrims a year, including approximately 60,000 sick and disabled pilgrims.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
This holy consciousness recognizes the entirely spiritual nature of reality, which is the eternal truth that links the Bible to Christian Science.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of holy

Adjective

Mamdani, a devout Muslim, is known for his statements against Israeli military actions in the Middle East.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 29 Sep. 2026
Swift and this new-ish album are just the latest example of how celebs look more disconnected than ever even from their most devout fan base.

— Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of devout

Adjective

To qualify for beatification, the Vatican normally requires one miracle attributable to the faithful seeking the candidate's heavenly prayers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
Stop at downtown Guerneville for a heavenly buttermilk biscuit at Piknik Town Market.

— Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of heavenly

Adjective

Created with his wife Nkuthazo Alexis Dyalvane, the work incorporates cow hair, leather and grass, influenced by ritual adornments, reflecting ancestral knowledge, healing and spiritual transformation.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
The President of the United States (John Goodman) and his cabinet of hawkish generals, gargoyle-ish officials, and speaking-in-tongues spiritual advisors gather at the oilman’s house to discuss next steps.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of spiritual

Adjective

By the time of the witch trial, the sacred building stood stripped of its roofing and outer masonry—a fleshless skeleton; its giant west window glassless, miming a stone scream.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
The sanctuary may have been an ambulatory temple, with a central sacred chamber surrounded by a covered walkway.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of sacred

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godliness

godly

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“Godly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/godly. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of godly

adjective

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