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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sacred
set apart or worthy of veneration by association with God
the Torah contains the holy writings of Judaism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in divine
of, relating to, or being God
the Holy Trinity
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 holy
Eduardo Tansley recounted the history of the holy grail of kit releases.
—
Phil Hay, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Pre-pandemic, a flexible work schedule was the holy grail of office jobs.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Marula Facial Oil Not all facial oils are created equal—and this $6.99 holy grail from Trader Joe’s proves it.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 15 June 2025
Look to a holy grail flat iron that can last you for years to come.
—Olivia Cigliano, Footwear News, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for holy
Phil Hay, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Pre-pandemic, a flexible work schedule was the holy grail of office jobs.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Marula Facial Oil Not all facial oils are created equal—and this $6.99 holy grail from Trader Joe’s proves it.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 15 June 2025
Look to a holy grail flat iron that can last you for years to come.
—Olivia Cigliano, Footwear News, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for holy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holy
Adjective
-
Moyers’ preacher-like delivery and emphasis on high moral standards in his commentaries led some people to criticize him as being a pious scold.—
Stephen Battaglio,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
-
This message and the pious and social acts of Eid, such as celebrating with friends and family and spreading acts of charity exemplify mindfulness and can be helpful when implemented regularly.—
Monica Haider,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
There is something sacred about arriving to love already whole.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
-
For five days, the city erupts into epic water battles, the Grand Parade of floats, live concerts, EDM zones, drone shows, and sacred Buddhist ceremonies.—
Ashlee Marie Preston,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Sevens are the number of spiritual awakening, divine alignment, and completion.—
Dossé-Via Trenou,
Refinery29,
30 June 2025
-
Through this process, the soul becomes more attuned to divine energy, reaching a state of harmony with the higher dimensions.—
Ascend Agency,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Built in 1689, this architectural landmark offers visitors a rich look at America’s early religious history.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
20 June 2025
-
In both, teacups make important appearances, as does faith, religious belief, and heartbreak.—
Diana Arterian
June 20,
Literary Hub,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
In the elders’ telling, a single ray of heavenly light shone down while the villagers cried with joy.—
Pete McKenzie,
Harpers Magazine,
18 June 2025
-
Basically a man who had built a solid reputation as a career university president naively entered the Church of Florida Autocracy, donned sackcloth and ashes and prostrated himself … ultimately for no heavenly reward whatsoever.—
Ron Cunningham,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
Vance Boelter, the suspect in the attack, has been described as a devout Christian who has attended President Donald Trump’s campaign rallies, according to The Associated Press.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
18 June 2025
-
Over the weekend, Elon Musk and others tried to paint the shooter as a violent leftist, but friends and former colleagues described Vance Boelter, who is charged in the killing, as a devout Christian and political conservative.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
Acutis will be joined by the blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati when he is inscribed in the book of saints.—
Nick Butler,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2025
-
Everything from your connection with siblings to your thoughts and conversations will be under Jupiter’s blessed and cosmic rays.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
9 June 2025
Adjective
-
Fans of ’20s jazz will detect reverent references to the styles of Helen Morgan, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and other jazz grants.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
30 Apr. 2025
-
The magazine saw itself as literary but not self-serious; if the stereotypical National Geographic story was a walk through the jungle recounted in hushed, awed tones, its Outside equivalent was a little dustier, wilder, and less reverent.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holy. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share