piousness

noun

Definition of piousnessnext
1
as in deception
the pretending of having virtues, principles, or beliefs that one in fact does not have an outward piousness that was just a ploy to get him the support of religious-minded voters

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in holiness
the quality or state of being spiritually pure or virtuous the piousness with which he lived every aspect of his life was an inspiration to the other monks at the abbey

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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 piousness At the height of her piousness, Adele is confronted with a substitute English teacher, Bromley Stokes, a hippie from San Francisco, who, to her dismay, changes all the rules of school. — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Christianity is one of the state’s primary means of control, but for the girls who grew up at the Aunt Lydia School, piousness is real. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for piousness
  1. deception
  2. holiness
  3. hypocrisy
  4. spirituality
  5. deceit
  6. deceptiveness
  7. affectation
  8. insincerity
Noun
  • Recent history suggests that the only effective counter to such meddling is a public statement alerting voters to the deception, by some credibly neutral, nonpartisan authority.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Peter trying to have a normal holiday while grieving Tony, Mysterio’s deception, and the post-credits scene that blows Peter’s life apart — all of it feeds into where the new film finds him.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • The saints’ books, rich vestments and formal poses were visible signs of holiness, symbolizing their learning, discipline and eloquence.
    — Denva Gallant, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
  • Others limit prayer to God alone and emphasize remembering saints primarily as historical models of holiness.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of holiness
Noun
  • These poems used images from ordinary life to warn against greed, religious hypocrisy and an excessive attachment to worldly possessions.
    — Peter Dziedzic, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
  • No interest in the contradictions, the hypocrisy, the inappropriate media friendships, the dishonesty about lockdowns, the lab leak, or masks.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of hypocrisy
Noun
  • Themes of memory and spirituality run throughout the installation, which unfolds as an immersive experience, guiding visitors through a series of atmospheric corridors and interconnected spaces.
    — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Rèv is a blend of premonition, spirituality, and everyday life.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
Definition of spirituality
Noun
  • Kings, Queens and Sea Snakes Elsewhere, Alicent and Helaena are caught trying to escape and Helaena learns of Alicent’s deceit.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Homer may have viewed Odysseus’s deceit and pillaging as glorious.
    — Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
Definition of deceit
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    — Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • Assemble a scrapbook or photo album to curate your personal affectations, trinkets, and memories.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 July 2026
  • The steering wheel is flat at the top and bottom—a race-car affectation that feels correct in here—and has a button for the Boost function and another to adjust the aero, but is otherwise refreshingly simple.
    — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 7 July 2026
Definition of affectation
Noun
  • It was made that much worse when several cast members laughed at her insincerity and Maddi Reese interrupted it several times because there was a stray cat nearby that terrified her.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 29 May 2026
  • Allen’s combo of flip insincerity and kindly concern is a terrific treat, recalling Bill Murray at his doofy best.
    — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
Definition of insincerity

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Cite this Entry

“Piousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piousness. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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