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reverence

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reverence differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reverence are adore, revere, venerate, and worship. While all these words mean "to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully," reverence presupposes an intrinsic merit and inviolability in the one honored and a similar depth of feeling in the one honoring.

reverenced the academy's code of honor

When can adore be used instead of reverence?

The words adore and reverence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adore implies love and stresses the notion of an individual and personal attachment.

we adored our doctor

When is it sensible to use revere instead of reverence?

While the synonyms revere and reverence are close in meaning, revere stresses deference and tenderness of feeling.

a professor revered by her students

Where would venerate be a reasonable alternative to reverence?

In some situations, the words venerate and reverence are roughly equivalent. However, venerate implies a holding as holy or sacrosanct because of character, association, or age.

heroes still venerated

In what contexts can worship take the place of reverence?

The synonyms worship and reverence are sometimes interchangeable, but worship implies homage usually expressed in words or ceremony.

worships their memory

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 reverence
Verb
But Trump also reverenced the tough job Emmer has in keeping the GOP majority together, with which Emmer is all too familiar after the chaotic last two years. Emily Brooks, The Hill, 3 Feb. 2025 Saint Heron remains dedicated to empowering future art practitioners by reverencing the spiritual act of creating and spotlighting artists’ unwavering devotion to the intergenerational language of expression. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 16 June 2023
Noun
The design by Walker Warner Architects evokes a dramatic statement in dialogue but also in reverence to the setting, something the private client sought to honor. Will Speros, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2025 The tour guides will mention this room with reverence. Shyla Watson, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reverence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverence
Verb
  • The next day, Good Friday, people attended solemn local liturgies to venerate — or at some events, carry their own — crosses.
    Allyson Vergara, Oc Register, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The hall was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, though pilgrims have venerated the site as early as the 4th century.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But in deference to the Cavaliers, that’s what good teams can do, basically take the temperature of the game, measure what is needed, and then seize the moment when the moment needs to be seized.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025
  • White House budget requests are usually only aspirational documents to outline administration priorities and are ignored by lawmakers, but this Congress has shown an extreme deference to President Trump.
    Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Greeks, Jews, Romans — rich and poor — all worshipped together in homes and built close relationships with one another.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
  • His father worshipped guitarists from the Delta and even wanted to name his son after the Mississippian Albert King but was outvoted by his wife, who named him after Beethoven.
    Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Vatican has announced that St. Mary Major Basilica will remain open for public veneration of Francis' tomb for the next several weeks, allowing pilgrims to pay their respects.
    Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Francis' may be moved to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday morning for the veneration of the faithful, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said, according to the Vatican News, adding that final plans would be communicated on April 22.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Dolphins are one of the smartest animals on Earth and have been revered for thousands of years for their intelligence, emotions and social interaction with humans.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Encouraging indicators The arcane but revered Zweig breadth thrust triggered Thursday, a clustering of extreme positive breadth days that arise after oversold conditions.
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Cruise went public with his adoration of the hit movie Sunday.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Scoring five in his last three starts, McTominay is on the crest of a light blue Neopolitan wave, drinking in the fans’ adoration with every strike.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Empathy rather than the idolatry of power will actually make our nation strong.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Miracle workers, moreover, often become the subjects of so much popular devotion that their authority can begin to approach idolatry or rival that of the Church itself.
    Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reverence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverence. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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