PIOUSNESS Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

piousness

noun

Definition of piousness

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

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

Noun

Prevention of fraud, deception and public accountability are reasons given for this suggestion.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
As the investigation unfolded, what initially appeared to be a daring ransom scheme evolved into a complex story of obsession, deception, and unexpected motives.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of deception

Noun

Soul is a synonym for God, or Spirit, and expresses the vast and eternal beauty of holiness, reflected in man and the universe.

— Dilshad Khambatta Eames, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of holiness

Noun

Today, young people are increasingly frustrated with the hypocrisy of politicians lecturing them about the virtues of voting while in practice facilitating disengagement.

— David Neil, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
Our views on morality and indecency are rife with inconsistency and hypocrisy.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of hypocrisy

Noun

Researchers said participants wanted content creators, influencers and television and film producers to offer more nuanced and authentic portrayals of religion and spirituality.

— City News Service, Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026
Tinos is also an island where spirituality abounds, with more than 1,000 churches and chapels, including the famed Church of Panagia Evangelistria, an important pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians.

— Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of spirituality

Noun

Their topics include the limits of authenticity and how to grasp understanding in a world awash in deceit.

— Christopher Coffman, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026
The state alleges OpenAI's rapid success stems from deceit and exploitation, causing widespread harm to Floridians and subverting public order.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 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

Robinhood's banking product arrived with private-bank affectations, estate planning, event access, cash to the door, priced at $5 a month inside a bundle a 30-year-old already pays for.

— Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Bret, who narrates the series with snooty affectation, is primarily parentless, with mom and dad gallivanting around Europe.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 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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pip

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“Piousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/piousness. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of piousness

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