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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Dan Radakovich is leaving the athletic director’s office after five years of steadfast integrity.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
2 May 2026
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As Miranda faces public outcry and the pressures of a downturning publishing industry, Andy once again strives for her approval amid her steadfast pursuit of rigorous journalism.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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The Goryeo were devout Buddhists; so too are the Lee family, of the modern Won Buddhist sect.—
Lori Waxman,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a devout socialist and one of the most vocal opponents of the Pentagon’s Operation Epic Fury in Iran, brushed off the threat of being removed from the alliance.—
Mike Brest,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The physically largest, Quebec, remained loyal, as did the most lucrative, Jamaica.—
Daniel Immerwahr,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
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Cobb Vanth The old-fashioned cowboy wore Boba Fett's armor and weapons as the marshal of Mos Pelgo on Tatooine and was an loyal ally of the Mando – until Cad Bane gunned him down in cold blood.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
3 May 2026
Adjective
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The office also pointed to efforts to expand security funding for religious institutions, strengthen hate crime laws and support Holocaust and genocide education initiatives.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
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Inspired by Renaissance paintings, Balenciaga creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli reimagined Yai as the Black Madonna, a figure seen throughout religious art.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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Yet when the topic of coach David Adelman came up, Jokic did offer up a staunch opinion.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
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His stances, often unpopular with other billionaires, have earned him staunch support from some and persistent skepticism from others.—
Sophie Austin,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 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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The Belgian forward has also enjoyed the MLS season format and playing in front of faithful fans at Soldier Field.—
Jori Parys,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
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Thorne’s adaptation is largely faithful to William Golding’s 1954 novel.—
Stuart Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2026
Adjective
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The video was filmed near King David’s Tomb on the holy site of Mount Zion in Jerusalem, the city which has been home to three faiths — Christianity, Judaism and Islam — for centuries.—
Yuliya Talmazan,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
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Worshipers mark the day by visiting holy sites and temples, the giving of alms and practicing mindfulness and spiritual purity, as noted by the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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