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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pious
In addition to the pious, persevering Goma and flawed Chandravati in the mortal realm, in the divine realm there are the goddesses Sati and her reincarnation as Parvati.
—
Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for pious
Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for pious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pious
Adjective
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Amid the uncertainty, however, Missouri Republican officials remain steadfast in their belief that the new map is in effect.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2026
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Because Aaron Rai is not Aaron Rai without a steadfast resistance to change.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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The series written by Tolkien, a devout Catholic, became a popular franchise with conservatives.—
Alexander Hall,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
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There are other surprises in store for even the most devout Frankenthaler fans.—
Grace Edquist,
Vogue,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Djena’s father, who had the title of chief hunter in the town, was a loyal aide to Marcel Cros, a senior official in the government of Ahmed Sékou Touré, Guinea’s first President.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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By contrast, employees who feel financially secure are more productive, engaged, and loyal.—
Mary Moreland,
Fortune,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
Many, though not all, Shiites support Hezbollah, as do Lebanese from other religious groups.—
Rania Abouzeid,
New Yorker,
21 May 2026
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Hunting, gathering, and ceremonies connected to the Brunot lands are integral to Ute religious and cultural life, with the Ute people historically returning to familiar hunting and gathering areas year after year.—
Shaun Chapoose,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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Rubio is a staunch Catholic, while Hegseth, Johnson, Carson, and Scott identify as evangelical Christians.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
15 May 2026
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That acknowledgement sparked an onslaught of questions that will likely rest on when Hoskins, a Republican and staunch supporter of the map, decides whether the campaign can reach the ballot.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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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
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In the sumptuousness of the bibliophile’s parlor, studying Black history occasioned reverent, joyous gatherings.—
Laura E. Helton,
Literary Hub,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Rodríguez has also replaced senior officials, including Maduro’s faithful defense minister and attorney general.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 May 2026
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To say the Philadelphia Eagles faithful was ecstatic when the Miami Dolphins hired Kevin Patullo would be an understatement.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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His new film Fatherland, like Cold War and Ida, is shot in a lustrous monochrome that turns shadows into punctuation marks and sunbeams into something holy, and that makes its performers, chief among them an incredible Sandra Hüller, look lit from within.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
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Jews revere the site as the Temple Mount, where the biblical temples once stood and the holiest site in Judaism.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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