GODLY Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

godly

adjective

ˈgäd-lē

Definition of godly

as in pious

showing a devotion to God and to a life of virtue a godly and humble man who will be richly rewarded in the next world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in divine

of, relating to, or being God a godly voice from the heavens commanded him to build an ark

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of godly On finding his magical hammer there he is given back his godly powers and returns to his home planet to protect it from an attack by his wayward brother, played by British actor Tom Hiddleston. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026 Dozens of boys say they were abused in a Christian scouting program that vowed to raise godly men. — Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 22 May 2026 But this new condominium features more than a godly cityscape. — Michael Gross, Air Mail, 4 Apr. 2026 Baruch Spinoza argued for a singular godly substance of which everything in existence is an attribute. — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for godly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for godly

Adjective

The Chicano values of the younger generation aren’t in alignment with the political orientation of the pious old guard.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
But the overall picture of religious infighting in 1640s Britain is essential to understanding how some people, especially poorer folk and especially women, found themselves on the wrong side of powerful, pious opponents.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of pious

Adjective

For another, these missing scenes give Rama an actual character arc, and imbue the film with a vital throughline of how various characters approach the idea of divine destiny.

— Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026
Because God is divine Life, our identity isn’t defined by age, material circumstances, or human achievements.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of divine

Adjective

Three factions -- all aligned with Netanyahu's religious-nationalist base -- recommended Netanyahu be given a chance to form a coalition government, while a fourth -- led by a former Netanyahu ally turned rival -- recommended Eisenkot.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
She was drawn to the historical associations of religious persecution.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of religious

Adjective

And a few hours later (and a little further left of pop stardom’s center), two other artists with highly devout followings also drew signifcant buzz for teaming up on record for the first time.

— Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026
Indeed, in Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, Ali stars as Latif, a devout Muslim and contract killer who travels across Houston in an effort to protect his three children following the death of his wife.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of devout

Adjective

Jesus had just been teaching his followers to love even their enemies, pointing toward the impartial love of our heavenly Father.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Nov. 2026
Codex Gigas, medieval illuminated manuscript known for its full-page illustration of the Devil opposite a full-page illustration of heavenly Jerusalem.

— Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of heavenly

Adjective

Hood is a spiritual advisor to inmates all over the country, but has been busier than usual in Florida — a state that has put a record-breaking 38 people to death since 2025, with more scheduled this year, under the guidance of DeSantis.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
And then, obviously, there’s the spiritual side of this, his spiritual struggle with his faith.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of spiritual

Adjective

Joe cut his teeth by working his way up the ranks; also maybe by hanging around a lot when dad Jack Buck broadcast for years from most of the sacred citadels of sports.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
In Congress, Grijalva is preparing legislation to void existing waivers that have allowed DHS to disregard laws designed to protect tribal sovereignty, sacred sites and environmentally sensitive lands.

— Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of sacred

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godly

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“Godly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/godly. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of godly

adjective

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