1
as in steadfast
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something
a pious supporter of his school's athletic teams, during winning and losing seasons alike
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devout
showing a devotion to God and to a life of virtue
a pious woman who decided to become a nun
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pious
Ann, seldom seen without her loyal brother William, is pious from the get-go, promising her heart to God.
—
Damon Wise, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025
The mobius-thinking at times almost seems like Medieval Zen, what with the emphasis on emptiness and silent meditation, and in fact that was what the Church fathers objected to most: too much quiet, solitary contemplation, not enough pious instruction.
—Jon Raymond
august 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
This may well sound like something that would’ve been played as a pious Christian allegory in another era.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 Aug. 2025
In the first dark hours of June 14, prosecutors say, the pious Boelter, 57, set out to commit a crime that would break a commandment.
—Dan Barry, Twin Cities, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pious
Damon Wise, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025
The mobius-thinking at times almost seems like Medieval Zen, what with the emphasis on emptiness and silent meditation, and in fact that was what the Church fathers objected to most: too much quiet, solitary contemplation, not enough pious instruction.
—Jon Raymond
august 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
This may well sound like something that would’ve been played as a pious Christian allegory in another era.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 Aug. 2025
In the first dark hours of June 14, prosecutors say, the pious Boelter, 57, set out to commit a crime that would break a commandment.
—Dan Barry, Twin Cities, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pious
Adjective
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The balance of power in Mississippi is shifting away from extremism and chaos and toward champions of working families, driven by Democrats’ steadfast commitment to their communities.—
Daniel Orton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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But the disruption is already wreaking havoc on the normally steadfast program.—
Christian Orozco,
NBC news,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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She was described as a happy, devout child who loved reading.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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And nearly all socialists, like most other Oklahomans, were devout Christians.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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While Burberry’s trench coats have a long list of loyal devotees, from the Duchess of Sussex to Emma Watson, The Row is a label that has defined celebrity style in recent years, as the likes of Jennifer Lawrence and Zoë Kravitz tend to be cloaked in minimalist staples from the brand.—
Emma Spedding,
Vogue,
11 Nov. 2025
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Gillespie will play the prodigy’s loyal friend whose faith and friendship are tested as the high-stakes chess match spirals out of control.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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This has given the conflict a religious coloration, and political elites have also chosen to politicize the conflict to negotiate power and other interests, which has complicated the problem.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Seyfried spoke to the real-life Ann Lee's experience losing all of her children at a young age, which influenced her religious views.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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China is always a staunch doer and important contributor to global green development.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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This reality is so sobering that even staunch climate optimists have had to adjust.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Though her early figurative sculptures like The Great Blessing of Abraham and Angel of Joshua are overt in their religious references, her abstract Burntworks feel no less reverent.—
Grace Edquist,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
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There is a fine line between reverent homage and cheap pastiche; Shelby Oaks largely exists on the latter side.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Canada’s Crave appears not to have remained faithful to the Celebrity Traitors UK.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
6 Nov. 2025
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Dalia embarks on a quest to find a legendary truffle that could save the situation guided by Igor’s field notes and his faithful dog Birba, played by a real truffle-hunting pooch.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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An irresistible, holy spectacle.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
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Or does Lux ask us to crane our necks to appreciate base human longing that presents in ecstatic and horrific manifestations, in the hunger for all sorts of holy and unsavory connections?—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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