reverence

noun

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rev·er·ence | \ ˈrev-rən(t)s

, ˈre-və-; ˈre-vərn(t)s \

Definition of reverence

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : honor or respect felt or shown : deference especially : profound adoring awed respect

2 : a gesture of respect (such as a bow)

3 : the state of being revered

4 : one held in reverence —used as a title for a clergyman

reverence

verb

rev·er·ence | \ ˈrev-rən(t)s

, ˈre-və-; ˈre-vərn(t)s \

reverenced; reverencing

Definition of reverence (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to regard or treat with reverence

Other Words from reverence Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about reverence

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Synonyms for reverence

Synonyms: Verb

Choose the Right Synonym for reverence

Noun

honor, homage, reverence, deference mean respect and esteem shown to another. honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition. the nomination is an honor homage adds the implication of accompanying praise. paying homage to Shakespeare reverence implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe. great reverence for my father deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence. showed no deference to their elders

Verb

revere, reverence, venerate, worship, adore mean to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully. revere stresses deference and tenderness of feeling. a professor revered by her students 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 venerate implies a holding as holy or sacrosanct because of character, association, or age. heroes still venerated worship implies homage usually expressed in words or ceremony. worships their memory adore implies love and stresses the notion of an individual and personal attachment. we adored our doctor

Examples of reverence in a Sentence

Noun The national pickle dish, kimchi, is held in such reverence that Seoul boasts a museum devoted entirely to its 160 different varieties. — The Encyclopedia of Herbs, Spices, & Flavorings, 1992 Reverence for or worship of the dead is found in all societies, because belief in life after death is universal. — World Religions, 1983 He took the command of this small party at once—the little girl and the little boy following him about with great reverence at such times as he condescended to sport with them. — William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, 1848 Her poems are treated with reverence by other poets. Their religion has a deep reverence for nature. Verb Only acquaintance with the great models of antiquity moves men to love and reverence the great authors of their own time … — John Clive, Not By Fact Alone, 1989 It is our most fundamental political document, reverenced by all, the supposed cement of our society, yet it is read by few and understood by fewer still. — David M. Kennedy, New York Times Book Review, 14 Sept. 1986 None of us like mediocrity, but we all reverence perfection. — Mark Twain, A Tramp Abroad, 1880 devotees coming to reverence their god

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The storm is spoken of in Sublette County with a sort of reverence. — New York Times, "Pandemic Wilderness Explorers Are Straining Search and Rescue," 7 Apr. 2021 As a show of reverence, Texas last August opened a new outdoor pool facility, located near the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center, in Reese’s honor. — Nick Moyle, San Antonio Express-News, "Legendary Texas swimming & diving coach Eddie Reese retires," 29 Mar. 2021 India has a long history of a reverence for nature, from trees and rivers to animals and birds, dating back to the times of the Rig Veda, an ancient collection of sacred Sanskrit hymns. — Kalpana Sunder, The Christian Science Monitor, "Do not disturb: In India, traditions and science protect sacred forests," 22 Mar. 2021 That was a win for Manchin and his reverence for Senate customs, including the filibuster, which helps sustain a 60-vote hurdle to advancing most legislation. — Cuneyt Dil, BostonGlobe.com, "Manchin, key Senate swing vote, boosts West Virginia’s hopes," 6 Mar. 2021 We’d been instilled with reverence for George Washington, who booted an English king’s soldiers out of our county. — Ron Grossman, chicagotribune.com, "Column: A ‘Chicago street-corner boy’ finds himself saddened by an English prince’s funeral," 17 Apr. 2021 As an experienced stylist with a ride-or-die reverence for beautiful clothes, Roach knows all the hacks for traveling, tailoring, and walking like a model in stilettos. — Faran Krentcil, Harper's BAZAAR, "Law Roach Isn’t Playing by Hollywood’s Rules," 2 Apr. 2021 Walsh and Biden share a reverence for the organized labor movement. — BostonGlobe.com, "Senate confirms Walsh as labor secretary; Janey set to become acting Boston mayor," 22 Mar. 2021 Greenidge and her sisters developed a reverence for storytelling and history early on, when their parents and grandparents would tell stories about their ancestors and what life was like during the civil rights movement. — New York Times, "Excellence Runs in the Family. Her Novel’s Heroine Wants Something Else.," 21 Mar. 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb A life cut short by unexpected catastrophe is reverenced. — Christopher Knight, latimes.com, "Jessie Homer French at Various Small Fires: In death, she finds life," 6 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reverence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.