as in holiness
the quality or state of being spiritually pure or virtuous
they say that cleanliness is next to godliness
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Recent Examples of godliness
On both sides of the war for Gilead, usefulness is next to godliness.
—
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
At its core, this transit is a reminder that clarity is power and in Virgo’s world, cleanliness really is next to godliness.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Cowliness is next to godliness.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
At its core, this transit is a reminder that clarity is power and in Virgo’s world, cleanliness really is next to godliness.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Cowliness is next to godliness.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for godliness
Noun
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Others limit prayer to God alone and emphasize remembering saints primarily as historical models of holiness.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Mar. 2026
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Even adversaries in the Arab world have never sunk to attacking the holiness of the Western Wall.—
Steven Burg,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Rather, Leo seems inspired by the calm, persistent zeal to preach the Gospel and — thanks to his Augustinian spirituality — emphasize community and harmony.—
Nicole Winfield,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
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Works by Granara, for example, recall elements of spirituality and stream of consciousness.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Godliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/godliness. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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