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
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
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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Even adversaries in the Arab world have never sunk to attacking the holiness of the Western Wall.—
Steven Burg,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Feb. 2026
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Singh, who would be our local guide, always wore the five traits of a pious Sikh man — uncut hair (symbolizing strength and holiness and topped by the identifying turban), a steel bracelet, wooden comb, sheathed dagger and a baggy undergarment dating back to the Sikhs’ warrior days on horses.—
Norma Meyer,
Oc Register,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But ultimately, the Church’s key qualm is rooted in spirituality.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
6 Mar. 2026
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The approach holds science and spirituality together, recognising that each addresses a different dimension of human suffering, and that durable healing requires both.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Godliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/godliness. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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