1
as in loyal
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something
a pious supporter of his school's athletic teams, during winning and losing seasons alike
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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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Recent Examples of pious
When any Democratic politician, including Gov. JB Pritzker, dares to stand up to extreme Republican rhetoric with any language beyond polite pablum and pious platitudes, pundits tell Democrats to lower the volume, cut the contempt and be nice.
—
Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Ahmad’s pious cousin Ibrahim insists that Hassan must be killed.
—David Remnick, The New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2024
Each letter comes across as a set piece, a small achievement of style and tone: Vasari’s flowery, deferential missives to the duke, Maria’s youthful ardor and confusion, the overly pious cattiness of a nun.
—Chelsea Leu, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
For pious viewers who may traditionally shy away from the horror genre, The Bondsman may surprise with some very tender and spiritual moments.
—Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pious
Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Ahmad’s pious cousin Ibrahim insists that Hassan must be killed.
—David Remnick, The New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2024
Each letter comes across as a set piece, a small achievement of style and tone: Vasari’s flowery, deferential missives to the duke, Maria’s youthful ardor and confusion, the overly pious cattiness of a nun.
—Chelsea Leu, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
For pious viewers who may traditionally shy away from the horror genre, The Bondsman may surprise with some very tender and spiritual moments.
—Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pious
Adjective
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The whole point of Casa Amor, theoretically, is to see whether these couples stay loyal to each other when separated into different villas and pursued by a whole new slate of bombshells.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
24 June 2025
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Fixers are loyal to systems, people and processes—even when they’re broken.—
Tinna Jackson,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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Despite setbacks — including talks of a walkout, which stalled when leadership got wind of the strategic move — the cheerleaders remained steadfast in their pursuit.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
25 June 2025
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Hamas has remained steadfast against Israel’s attacks in Gaza.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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In both, teacups make important appearances, as does faith, religious belief, and heartbreak.—
Diana Arterian
June 20,
Literary Hub,
20 June 2025
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Built in 1689, this architectural landmark offers visitors a rich look at America’s early religious history.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Former Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart, who has also been a staunch Trump supporter in the past, expressed a similar sentiment to Strickland in an X post on Monday.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2025
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Israel’s staunch ally, the U.S., stepped in to help shoot down Iranian missiles, while other global leaders have called to de-escalate tensions.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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Trump has bristled at criticism from some of his MAGA faithful, including conservative pundit Tucker Carlson, who have suggested that further U.S. involvement would be a betrayal to supporters who were drawn to his promise to end U.S. involvement in expensive and endless wars.—
Aamer Madhani,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2025
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Di Maria raised his right hand toward the crowd afterward, as if apologizing to the Boca Juniors faithful.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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Live television had long been a holy grail for inventors.—
Danny Robb,
JSTOR Daily,
23 June 2025
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Work-life balance has become the holy grail of modern employment.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
22 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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