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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pious
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
In the old days, when Muslims had a great civilization, their smart and pious people also got paid for being smart and pious.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Khamenei was born into poverty and outwardly disdains pomp, cultivating an image of pious frugality.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Cal’s mother, Grace, is estranged from the family, having left her terrifyingly pious and physically abusive husband, as well as her own mother, who appears complicit in her son-in-law’s behavior.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pious
Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
In the old days, when Muslims had a great civilization, their smart and pious people also got paid for being smart and pious.
—Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Khamenei was born into poverty and outwardly disdains pomp, cultivating an image of pious frugality.
—Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026
Cal’s mother, Grace, is estranged from the family, having left her terrifyingly pious and physically abusive husband, as well as her own mother, who appears complicit in her son-in-law’s behavior.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pious
Adjective
-
Their steadfast belief in this very personal film and commitment to getting it on marquees means so much to me.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Fielder has been the sole democratic socialist on the board and a steadfast advocate for progressive causes, often voting against Lurie’s legislative agenda and the board’s moderate majority bloc.—
Alyce McFadden,
San Francisco Chronicle,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
For devout followers of BTS, or their colleagues in groups like Blackpink and Stray Kids, sales figures and stream counts are not neutral matters of fact.—
Mitch Therieau,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
-
In addition to being a hysterical actor and writer, Wilson is a devout student of reality television and hosts the podcast Bitch Sesh about the Real Housewives franchise.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
After the synagogue’s board voted to dismiss the cantor, scores of families who were loyal to him left.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Special thanks to all of our loyal customers!—
Matt Schooley,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Army Chaplain Corps guidelines published during the Biden administration in February 2024, which remained on the Army’s website following the March 24 announcement, said the Chaplain Corps at that point represented more than 100 religious groups.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The speaker is considered a religious and social conservative within Iranian politics.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Kiswani has been a lightning rod for political controversy, even taking stands against Mayor Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor and staunch proponent of Palestinian rights.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Neither the United States nor Israel has accepted responsibility for the attack, which has come under staunch criticism from the United Nations and human rights groups.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The gallery hummed with the ideal number and mix of people—reverent Sherald fans, art students in statement glasses, and little kids rushing up to the massive canvases and screaming in delight.—
Josh Tyrangiel,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2026
-
In this environment of diffused light and reverent craftsmanship are 89 guest rooms and suites plus three completely unique dining concepts.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
For faithful observers, the spring season is marked by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and sacrifice that starts on Ash Wednesday.—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Fishy Fishy, a longtime staple, stays faithful to what’s just come off the boat, while Catch of the Day turns a waterfront food truck into a lesson in simplicity done right.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Each Christian during this holy season leading to Easter must take a careful inventory of his or her life.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Spinach has the tonic earthiness the season necessitates; lamb is the holy protein of now.—
Scott Hocker,
TheWeek,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
