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
Relevance
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
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 pious
In theory, their story ought to have enough drama to satisfy both pious and secular tastes.
—
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026
In his native Paine, a quiet agricultural town just south of Santiago, some residents remember the Kast family fondly as a pious clan who built a successful meat and restaurant business.
—John Bartlett, NPR, 11 Mar. 2026
His political campaign is spinning into high gear, posting videos showing him as a pious governor holding a Bible, praying and hugging pastors.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for pious
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026
In his native Paine, a quiet agricultural town just south of Santiago, some residents remember the Kast family fondly as a pious clan who built a successful meat and restaurant business.
—John Bartlett, NPR, 11 Mar. 2026
His political campaign is spinning into high gear, posting videos showing him as a pious governor holding a Bible, praying and hugging pastors.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for pious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pious
Adjective
-
Dan Radakovich is leaving the athletic director’s office after five years of steadfast integrity.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
2 May 2026
-
As Miranda faces public outcry and the pressures of a downturning publishing industry, Andy once again strives for her approval amid her steadfast pursuit of rigorous journalism.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
The series written by Tolkien, a devout Catholic, became a popular franchise with conservatives.—
Alexander Hall,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
There are other surprises in store for even the most devout Frankenthaler fans.—
Grace Edquist,
Vogue,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
My father’s clients were loyal and had become close friends over the years, but my mother knew little about the technical side of accounting or tax preparation.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
-
For existing and loyal customers, familiarity builds confidence.—
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
The office also pointed to efforts to expand security funding for religious institutions, strengthen hate crime laws and support Holocaust and genocide education initiatives.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
-
Inspired by Renaissance paintings, Balenciaga creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli reimagined Yai as the Black Madonna, a figure seen throughout religious art.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Porter, who questioned whether the policy was realistic last year, cast herself as a staunch defender of it, and of healthcare for undocumented immigrants.—
Ben Paviour
May 6,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
-
Fetterman is a staunch supporter of Israel.—
Alex Nitzberg,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Breakfast included, indoor fireplace, backyard, desert views Found on Navajo land in Arizona, Shash Dine’ draws visitors thanks to its stargazing opportunities, as well as its reverent efforts to keep indigenous culture and tradition alive.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
29 Apr. 2026
-
In the sumptuousness of the bibliophile’s parlor, studying Black history occasioned reverent, joyous gatherings.—
Laura E. Helton,
Literary Hub,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Belgian forward has also enjoyed the MLS season format and playing in front of faithful fans at Soldier Field.—
Jori Parys,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
-
Thorne’s adaptation is largely faithful to William Golding’s 1954 novel.—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
The issue is particularly pronounced in Jerusalem’s Old City, a densely populated area with narrow alleyways of ancient stones, which houses holy sites for Judaism, Christianity and Islam.—
Melanie Lidman,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
Ashwagandha, reishi, turmeric and holy basil now appear in serums, masks and moisturizers for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
