Synonyms of reverence

reverence 1 of 2

verb

ˈrev-rən(t)s 

as in to venerate

to offer honor or respect to (someone) as a divine power

devotees coming to reverence their god

Synonyms & Similar Words

• venerate
• worship
• revere
• honor
• respect
• praise
• admire
• love
• adore
• regard
• glorify
• deify
• exalt
• dignify
• please
• extol
• delight
• laud
• lionize
• apotheosize
• extoll
• gratify
• satisfy
• magnify
• canonize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• violate
• outrage
• scorn
• insult
• ridicule
• profane
• desecrate
• blaspheme
• slight
• dishonor
• offend
• disrespect
• affront
• displease
• disparage
• libel
• pique
• slander
• smear
• defame
• malign
• slur

reverence

2 of 2

noun

as in deference

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deference
• veneration
• adoration
• worship
• glorification
• idolatry
• deification
• adulation
• idealization
• respect
• worshiping
• esteem
• idolization
• fondness
• worshipping
• affection
• love
• appreciation
• liking
• hero worship
• romanticization
• approval
• like
• regard
• fancy
• favor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hatred
• dismissal
• condemnation
• disregard
• disapproval
• scorn
• dislike
• loathing
• disfavor

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

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 problem with reverence for one’s audience is that audiences are no more stable than selves. —Kerry Howley, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2025

This year’s lineup reflects both reverence for cinema’s past and excitement for its future. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025