veneration

noun

ven·​er·​a·​tion ˌve-nə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce veneration (audio)
1
: respect or awe inspired by the dignity, wisdom, dedication, or talent of a person
2
: the act of venerating
3
: the condition of one that is venerated

Examples of veneration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This veneration of instinct has led many observers to describe Trump as a social Darwinist. Erik Baker, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025 Trump’s veneration for this Gilded Age Republican has only grown. Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 The walls of these rooms accomplish a kind of muting of her aura, a place where veneration feels austere or regimented by bureaucracy. Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2025 But Carlyle’s unrelentingly bleak vision, his insistence on hierarchy, his veneration of strongmen, don’t look so out of place in today’s reality. Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for veneration

Word History

Etymology

Middle English veneracioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French veneratiun, borrowed from Latin venerātiōn-, venerātiō "act of soliciting the good will (of a deity), demonstration of respect or awe," from venerārī "to solicit the good will of (a deity), hold in awe, venerate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of veneration was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Veneration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/veneration. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

veneration

noun
ven·​er·​a·​tion ˌven-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce veneration (audio)
1
: the act of venerating : the state of being venerated
2
: a feeling of deep respect
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