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
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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
Ann, seldom seen without her loyal brother William, is pious from the get-go, promising her heart to God.
—
Damon Wise, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025
The mobius-thinking at times almost seems like Medieval Zen, what with the emphasis on emptiness and silent meditation, and in fact that was what the Church fathers objected to most: too much quiet, solitary contemplation, not enough pious instruction.
—Jon Raymond
august 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
This may well sound like something that would’ve been played as a pious Christian allegory in another era.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for pious
Damon Wise, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025
The mobius-thinking at times almost seems like Medieval Zen, what with the emphasis on emptiness and silent meditation, and in fact that was what the Church fathers objected to most: too much quiet, solitary contemplation, not enough pious instruction.
—Jon Raymond
august 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025
This may well sound like something that would’ve been played as a pious Christian allegory in another era.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for pious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pious
Adjective
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Jeff is known as a selfless mentor and a steadfast colleague.—
Rick Porter,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Oct. 2025
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Beyond her torrid relationship with Taissa Turner, Van felt like a voice of reason in a sea of noise — steadfast in her effort to reform after her time in The Wilderness rather than succumbing to its violent will.—
Catherine Mhloyi,
Them.,
29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The actor, 76, has been a devout Buddhist for over 40 years.—
Gillian Telling,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
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Many Latin acts, particularly from Puerto Rico, are devout Christians but don’t share their beliefs in their music.—
Leila Cobo,
Billboard,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Keystone ensures the Walkabout 26 Max exterior works as the most loyal of multi-adventure partners, starting with a huge pass-through front storage locker made possible by the drop frame.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Nov. 2025
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In recent years, Bleed had continued recording and performing, maintaining a loyal fan base drawn to his signature mix of southern wisdom and lyrical realism.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Earlier this year, Wenski spoke with the Miami Herald during his annual Sunday motorcycle ride, an event that brings together hundreds of religious motorcycle lovers, while raising funds to benefit St Luke’s Center, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
31 Oct. 2025
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Many districts allow for short-term exceptions—such as for bereavement, family emergencies, or religious observances—but rarely for travel motivated by convenience or cost.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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That experience, along with his father’s staunch opposition to the removals, helped form Kennedy’s powerful belief in the equality of all people and the importance of preserving and protecting individual rights.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
3 Nov. 2025
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The staunchest deflationist could deflate no longer.—
James Somers,
New Yorker,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Though her early figurative sculptures like The Great Blessing of Abraham and Angel of Joshua are overt in their religious references, her abstract Burntworks feel no less reverent.—
Grace Edquist,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
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There is a fine line between reverent homage and cheap pastiche; Shelby Oaks largely exists on the latter side.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In a 2022 Instagram post, The Conjuring 2 director and The Nun producer James Wan explained the creative choice to portray Valak as a demonic nun, rather than in a form more faithful to his mythological depictions.—
Julie Tremaine,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
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The positivity was palpable among the Aggie faithful late Saturday night.—
Sam Khan Jr,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Tender, fresh okra and holy trinity pepper, onions, and celery add a lovely contrast of texture while contributing pops of color.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
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In one thirteenth-century version of the story, a holy man sees the demon in church, dragging a huge sack.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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