reverence 1 of 2

reverence

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noun

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

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 reverence
Verb
Thus proving that a Black designer could claim space, power, and reverence on the global stage. Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025 Brushing twice a day, flossing every night, repeated with the reverence of a prayer. Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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 Saint Heron remains dedicated to empowering future art practitioners by reverencing the spiritual act of creating and spotlighting artists’ unwavering devotion to the intergenerational language of expression. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 16 June 2023 See All Example Sentences for reverence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverence
Verb
  • For all their differences in background, temperament, and approaches to art, Matisse and Picasso both venerated Cézanne, Delacroix, Manet, and van Gogh.
    Christopher C. Gorham September 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement Trump’s insistence on honoring these Confederates implicitly venerates their politics — and provides a justification for his own rule and ruin tactics, which so often echo them.
    Time, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In deference to the late, great Ryne Sandberg, who died from acute prostate cancer this past July at 65, this column about the current Cubs-Padres Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field is for him.
    Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • For human rights advocates, Johnson’s reluctance to forcefully criticize Bukele at the time was a sign of his undue deference to the Salvadoran leader.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Rulers on the Nile did not rely solely on their own human powers but worshipped and propitiated a natural world that was alive with gods.
    Vanessa Taylor, Big Think, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Parishioners have been forced to worship in an adjacent community center for nearly a year while the church continues its insurance settlement negotiations.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As religions developed and faiths were defined in Biblical texts and commentaries, teachings began to distinguish between veneration and idolatry.
    Judy Knotts, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • This veneration of instinct has led many observers to describe Trump as a social Darwinist.
    Erik Baker, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • As a schoolgirl, Muriel was revered by staff and pupils alike.
    Frances Wilson September 23, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Raised in the Highbridge section of the Bronx not far from where DJ Kool Herc threw the 1973 party revered as rap music’s spiritual baby shower, Cardi bookends those songs with experiments in accentuating and contrasting her distinctly New York diction.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Thousands stomped in the bleachers, creating rumbling waves of adoration.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Read more about this place's investment in and adoration of the sport here.
    Payton Titus, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Genuine peace requires rewriting textbooks, ending propaganda, and ceasing the glorification of violence.
    Artak Beglaryan, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
  • The portrayal of indigenous people was riddled with stereotypes and other problematic story elements, including the glorification of suicide.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These all may be interpreted as acts of idolatry.
    Michael Isaacson, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The horror movie, starring Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers, explores the inner sanctum of fame, idolatry, and the pursuit of excellence at any cost.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reverence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverence. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.

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