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
The series follows young teens Agnes, dutiful and pious, and Daisy, a new arrival and convert from beyond Gilead’s borders.
—
Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
Per the official logline, the series follows young teens Agnes, dutiful and pious, and Daisy, a new arrival and convert from beyond Gilead’s borders.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026
Weeks later and about 90 blocks south, fellow Tony winner Matthew Broderick began playing the pious con man that causes holy hell in Lucas Hnath and Sarah Benson’s gender-bending revival.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
All of this is impressive enough, but there are tales that the bible was written in a single night by none other than the Dark Lord himself, not a pious scribe.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pious
Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026
Per the official logline, the series follows young teens Agnes, dutiful and pious, and Daisy, a new arrival and convert from beyond Gilead’s borders.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026
Weeks later and about 90 blocks south, fellow Tony winner Matthew Broderick began playing the pious con man that causes holy hell in Lucas Hnath and Sarah Benson’s gender-bending revival.
—Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
All of this is impressive enough, but there are tales that the bible was written in a single night by none other than the Dark Lord himself, not a pious scribe.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pious
Adjective
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Swift's more recent looks oscillate between retro-glam styles and timeless, polished looks aligned with a movement toward quiet luxury trends—though her now-iconic bangs remain a steadfast companion.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
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Now running for Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts after serving in the Legislature for almost two decades, Kelly is ready to put his experience and steadfast values to work protecting taxpayers and keeping Texas state government strong, prosperous, and accountable.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The siblings believed that their mother, a devout Christian, felt them, too.—
Paige Williams,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
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Mustafa’s 2024 debut album, Dunya—a folk memoir about growing up as a devout Muslim in a violent Toronto housing project as the son of immigrants from Sudan—was wildly acclaimed.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Middleton has been loyal to the iconic Le Pliage Original canvas bag since at least 2005.—
Alyssa Morin,
InStyle,
15 Feb. 2026
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They’re loved for being protective and loyal, and taking a romantic leap of faith could bring unexpected rewards.—
Annabel Gat,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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During the event, breakout sessions included discussions about navigating religious observance in the military, creating a Jewish community while on duty, and how to have successful military relationships.—
Jessica Tzikas,
Sun Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
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Not only are our religious differences analogous to relating to any kind of difference, but there is so much religious influence in American society.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That staunch support takes on extra significance in a hyper-competitive country that often only rewards top winners and punishes those who fall short.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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Known for being a staunch player advocate and for his sometimes combative demeanor, Meyer was unanimously elected in a vote of major- and minor-league players held during a video meeting Wednesday afternoon.—
Evan Drellich,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Phones stayed largely down — which in this case felt less like reverent immersion and more like a crowd waiting for something to catch fire.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Feb. 2026
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Some shushed the crowds, urging them to be silent and reverent.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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It has been billed as a faithful adaptation, expanding each of Rowling's seven books into individual seasons.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Feb. 2026
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She's always been a faithful fan of fashion.—
Kevin Huynh,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Tens of thousands of Palestinians gathered under heavy Israeli restrictions at Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque compound for the first Friday prayers of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, including some who were allowed to enter from the occupied West Bank.—
Sam Mednick,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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This week marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan, and millions of Muslims across the globe will begin spiritual journeys, which for many will include a daily fast—abstaining from all food and drink, including water—during daylight hours.—
Devinder Bains,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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