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
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
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For two of South Florida’s steadfast dance organizations these signs of one more forward-moving spring are about to brighten the calendar.—
Guillermo Perez,
Miami Herald,
5 May 2026
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Dan Radakovich is leaving the athletic director’s office after five years of steadfast integrity.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
2 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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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 detentions come after a handful of other arrests months earlier, but Fúnez has long been pinpointed by local environmental and religious leaders as the man who spearheaded the assassination.—
Marlon González,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
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The complaint alleged Rollins has sent numerous religious emails to USDA employees since becoming secretary in February 2025, including an Independence Day email calling for God’s protection of and favor toward the United States.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
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 18 May. 2026.
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