1
as in loyal
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something
a pious supporter of his school's athletic teams, during winning and losing seasons alike
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devout
showing a devotion to God and to a life of virtue
a pious woman who decided to become a nun
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Recent Examples of pious
This may well sound like something that would’ve been played as a pious Christian allegory in another era.
—
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 Aug. 2025
In 1796, the passage was reportedly the site of a miracle: an image of the Virgin Mary was allegedly seen moving her eyes, attracting pious Christians from around the city.
—Sarah Gearhart, Outside Online, 28 July 2025
Jill’s teenage son Brad (George Ferrier) is just as calculating, if not nearly as savvy, pressuring his pious girlfriend Abby (Madison Wolfe) for a repeat of their prom-night hookup while pursuing other partners.
—Judy Berman, Time, 21 July 2025
In the first dark hours of June 14, prosecutors say, the pious Boelter, 57, set out to commit a crime that would break a commandment.
—Dan Barry, Twin Cities, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pious
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 Aug. 2025
In 1796, the passage was reportedly the site of a miracle: an image of the Virgin Mary was allegedly seen moving her eyes, attracting pious Christians from around the city.
—Sarah Gearhart, Outside Online, 28 July 2025
Jill’s teenage son Brad (George Ferrier) is just as calculating, if not nearly as savvy, pressuring his pious girlfriend Abby (Madison Wolfe) for a repeat of their prom-night hookup while pursuing other partners.
—Judy Berman, Time, 21 July 2025
In the first dark hours of June 14, prosecutors say, the pious Boelter, 57, set out to commit a crime that would break a commandment.
—Dan Barry, Twin Cities, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pious
Adjective
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The deputy’s body camera footage shows the loyal dog leading her straight to the spot where his owner’s mother had fallen.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
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Beneath Nkrumah’s elaborate rhetoric, Mazrui argued, lay a simple drive to consolidate control through a one-party state that would inevitably empower only his most loyal—and least thoughtful—allies.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Alongside her estranged husband Ryan, the devout Moses (Hill), and new allies Samson (Feliz) and Delilah (Obsidian), Virginia must outmaneuver billionaire cult leader Luther Bell, played with magnetic menace by Esposito.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
4 Oct. 2025
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Howard was remembered as a devout member of his church and a stubborn, loving patriarch.—
Liam Rappleye,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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And yet, flipping through Erdem’s new book with him in his showroom — a celebration of 20 years in business — I was struck by how steadfast his vision remains.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
8 Oct. 2025
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However, the qualities that have driven the company this far, resilience, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to people and partners, will continue to be at the heart of its efforts going forward.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Her parents emphasized religious training, sending the children to Catholic elementary schools.—
Jan Goldsmith,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Oct. 2025
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After years of advocating to expand private and religious education and homeschooling, using tax dollars, a cadre of conservative activists is in a position to push forward its agenda.—
Megan O’Matz,
ProPublica,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Related Stories Borgonzoni, who is a member of Italy’s right-wing government and oversees the country’s cinema department, is a staunch local industry advocate.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
6 Oct. 2025
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The speculations are rife with staunch reason justifying why Tesla could embrace this big shift this month.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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That Maestro screening featured the vociferous participation of Leonard Bernstein’s surviving family members, as well as Cooper himself watching silently from the audience (the strike prevented him from doing more), a perfect companion to Cooper’s alternately reverent and over-the-top biopic.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
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The atmosphere is reverent and energized, with attendees standing in collective praise hours before the formal program begins.—
Amanda Castro
Mandy Taheri
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Look away now, Philly faithful.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
10 Oct. 2025
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Where did those formerly faithful go?—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The tenth and final day of the High Holidays, Yom Kippur is the holiest Jewish holiday of the year.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
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The Manchester police were calling on people to stay inside and avoid the area, but that message was not reaching the community deep in prayer on this holiest of days.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
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