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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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 Built to Spill’s Doug Martsch is open with his reverence for Daniel Johnston, the indie outsider-Picasso whose fans have included Sonic Youth, Jeff Tweedy and Kurt Cobain. — oregonlive, "Live music in Portland: March blooms with 23 must-see concerts," 27 Feb. 2020 Their reverence for what came before leaves little room for artistry or invention. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, "Why It's Problematic That Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Retcons the Plot of The Last Jedi," 20 Dec. 2019 Tunisia’s secular climate, along with its reverence for science, make the country suitable for an initiative, Zouahgi said. — Lateshia Beachum, Washington Post, "Tunisia launches a state-sponsored sex-education program, a rarity in the Arab world," 5 Dec. 2019 This is where my progressive streak and belief in artistic license collide head-on with my reverence for the talents of Peggy Lee, Frank Loesser and so many other creative artists of an earlier time. — Michael Phillips, chicagotribune.com, "Disney Plus premieres a new ‘Lady and the Tramp.’ Maybe it helps to hate the ‘Dumbo,’ ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Lion King’ remakes, but I kind of liked it.," 14 Nov. 2019 Featuring a premiere by the piano-percussion quartet Yarn/Wire, the event is a tribute to Ms. Lockwood’s devotion to collaboration and her reverence for sound’s potential to move people, particularly in a time of environmental crisis. — New York Times, "Burning Pianos and Whispering Rivers: A Composer’s Journey," 8 Nov. 2019 His reverence for Mozart’s music is clear, balanced by his guitar work while wearing one of those ridiculous late-‘70s Devo hats that look like a collapsible cup. — Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, "Review: Picnic Operetta rocks up Mozart, but the beauty comes through," 17 Aug. 2019 Though the occasion's roots might be a call for somber reflection and reverence, the tone of the whole affair, particularly at the end of December, was also one of celebration and homecoming. — Jihan Forbes, Allure, "The Looks at Afrochella 2019 Show Just How Diverse the Afrocentric Aesthetic Is," 8 Jan. 2020 Each lauded their respective honorees' work with a mix of reverence, exaltation and some good-natured ribbing. — Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, "Tarantino, Scorsese Tease Reviewers, Thank Netflix at N.Y. Film Critics Circle Awards," 8 Jan. 2020 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.