1
as in pious
showing a devotion to God and to a life of virtue
the holy monk spent many hours on his knees in prayer
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2
as in sacred
set apart or worthy of veneration by association with God
the Torah contains the holy writings of Judaism
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3
as in divine
of, relating to, or being God
the Holy Trinity
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4
as in pure
not to be violated, criticized, or tampered with
the hour every Saturday she listens to her radio program is holy and you'd better not make her miss it
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of holy
How the new Pope Leo XIV’s childhood church in Chicago fell into disrepair — and what may lie ahead
Many sites associated with past popes have become museums or holy destinations for the faithful.
—
Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2025
There’s a holy fool quality to the boy, who is the subject of teasing.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Inside the chamber was a sandstone chest containing five reliquaries (containers for holy relics), which held bones and ash alongside nearly 1,800 pearls, rubies, topazes, sapphires and other gems.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2025
Even Joe — who, for the love of all that is holy, just wants his goddamn air fryer back — can’t help but point out how little Rose has visited.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for holy
Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2025
There’s a holy fool quality to the boy, who is the subject of teasing.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Inside the chamber was a sandstone chest containing five reliquaries (containers for holy relics), which held bones and ash alongside nearly 1,800 pearls, rubies, topazes, sapphires and other gems.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2025
Even Joe — who, for the love of all that is holy, just wants his goddamn air fryer back — can’t help but point out how little Rose has visited.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for holy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holy
Adjective
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The baron and his pious daughter seem at peace with their mutual estrangement until Zsa-zsa suddenly decides to break that habit.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
18 May 2025
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But while the main character’s mother in that movie was an antagonistic figure, Fatima’s parents are portrayed as kind, not dogmatic or ostentatiously pious.—
Jon Frosch,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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In today’s America, where so much energy is spent dividing us, Forever reminds us what actually holds us together: love, care, and the sacred duty of raising the next generation.—
Richard Fowler,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
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The woman of the house lights the Shabbat candles, ushering in the sacred day.—
Mark Gerson,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Maybe the Cubs, perennially in need of divine intervention, will now have a new pal in a high place.—
Chicago Tribune,
Twin Cities,
11 May 2025
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Had my accent lapsed so much that divine intervention was required?—
Shauna Lyon,
New Yorker,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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For two and a half centuries, religious freedom has driven America's story.—
Kevin Sabet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
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This lighting might have emphasized the space’s religious purpose.—
Sonja Anderson,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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Above us, the white smoke kept pouring out, a heavenly signal to the world.—
Christopher Hale,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
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Last year’s victory came after McIlroy shot a final-round 65, at one point going 8-under-par in a heavenly eight-hole stretch.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2025
Adjective
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In 2023, Caviezel, a devout Catholic, starred in mega box office breakout Sound Of Freedom, produced by faith-friendly Angel Studios, and is next due to reprise his role as Jesus in Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
17 May 2025
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Local family members and friends know the new pontiff as a lifelong devout Catholic and former altar boy who makes frequent trips back home to the Chicago area, cheering for the White Sox and enjoying a slice of Aurelio’s pizza when back in town.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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Noem's most recent X post on Sunday included a family photo and wishes for a blessed Easter.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
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Martin also felt blessed to have met past popes, including Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI before his election.—
Chase Jordan,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Taylor’s casket, covered with an American flag, was taken through reverent procession in Bell County on May 13 from Temple to the funeral home in Copperas Cove, KXXV reported.—
Kate Linderman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2025
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But Post’s reverent take on pop country ends up inheriting the subgenre’s baggage.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
21 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Holy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holy. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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