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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pious
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
Those healthy enough were put through a daily regimen of religious education and physical schooling intended to train them to be pious and obedient.
—Ann Foster, JSTOR Daily, 9 July 2025
Moyers’ preacher-like delivery and emphasis on high moral standards in his commentaries led some people to criticize him as being a pious scold.
—Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Chronicles is set in a tiny Argentinian town where a pious yet competitive woman decides that staging a miracle could be her ticket to sainthood.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pious
Dan Barry, Twin Cities, 21 July 2025
Those healthy enough were put through a daily regimen of religious education and physical schooling intended to train them to be pious and obedient.
—Ann Foster, JSTOR Daily, 9 July 2025
Moyers’ preacher-like delivery and emphasis on high moral standards in his commentaries led some people to criticize him as being a pious scold.
—Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Chronicles is set in a tiny Argentinian town where a pious yet competitive woman decides that staging a miracle could be her ticket to sainthood.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pious
Adjective
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If all that wasn’t enough, 12 gold Arthurian knights have been positioned around the dial, acting as the Lady’s loyal protectors and hour markers.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
30 Sep. 2025
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When Mel learns Richard is now engaged to her estranged college friend Monica (Atkins), the two women, with the help of Mel’s loyal best friend Candy (Brown), set aside old wounds to stand together.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Alongside her estranged husband Ryan, the devout Moses (Hill), and new allies Samson (Feliz) and Delilah (Obsidian), Virginia must outmaneuver billionaire cult leader Luther Bell, played with magnetic menace by Esposito.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
4 Oct. 2025
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Howard was remembered as a devout member of his church and a stubborn, loving patriarch.—
Liam Rappleye,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Since trading for Mitchell in the summer of 2022, Cleveland has held steadfast in the belief that its contention window truly opens when Mobley is up for it.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
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Despite the growing frustration surrounding the play, Payton remains steadfast in his belief that the play should not be outlawed.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The process refers to soldiers who won’t fight on the basis of moral or religious grounds.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
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Some religious schools offer discounts to families who are part of the church connected with the school.—
Rachel Wegner,
Nashville Tennessean,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Even after the Tennessee National Guard was summoned to restore order, staunch segregationists refused to let up.—
Andrea Williams,
Nashville Tennessean,
27 Sep. 2025
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Continue reading … POLITICS TURNING TABLES – Speaker Johnson flips script on Dem leaders with staunch warning against gov shutdown.—
,
FOXNews.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That Maestro screening featured the vociferous participation of Leonard Bernstein’s surviving family members, as well as Cooper himself watching silently from the audience (the strike prevented him from doing more), a perfect companion to Cooper’s alternately reverent and over-the-top biopic.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
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The atmosphere is reverent and energized, with attendees standing in collective praise hours before the formal program begins.—
Amanda Castro
Mandy Taheri
Peter Aitken,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Any optimism lies in the Johnson faithful and WWE fans showing up.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
1 Oct. 2025
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Many faithful will fast from food and water for 25 hours beginning at the start of Yom Kippur.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The tenth and final day of the High Holidays, Yom Kippur is the holiest Jewish holiday of the year.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
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The Manchester police were calling on people to stay inside and avoid the area, but that message was not reaching the community deep in prayer on this holiest of days.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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