reverential

adjective

Definition of reverentialnext
as in pious
formal showing or having a lot of respect a reverential attitude They spoke in reverential terms about their recently departed spiritual advisor.

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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 reverential Rather than offering a reverential homage, the concept recalls the original’s aggressive sophistication, while integrating bleeding-edge advancements. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 The Followers have bent elbows and knees and prayerful cupped hands, and often move with little birdlike hops around the Preacher (Jai Perez), who presides with proud posture and reverential knee-hinges to the floor. — Jennifer Homans, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2026 Penguins players lingered on the ice, hoping for a reverential handshake. — Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 12 Apr. 2026 But Marshals the standalone spinoff takes a backseat to Marshals the reverential sequel. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reverential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverential
  1. pious
  2. respectful
  3. spiritual
  4. reverent
  5. religious
  6. worshipful
Adjective
  • Adenauer, De Gasperi, and Schuman were all devout Catholics, and Monnet, though not a religious man, was born into a pious Catholic family.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Philemon and Baucis, a pious Phrygian couple, hospitably received the disguised Zeus and Hermes after their richer neighbors had refused to do so.
    — Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026
Definition of pious
Adjective
  • Sometimes respectful questions surface risks, unintended consequences, or better alternatives that genuinely strengthen the final decision.
    — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Interiors are clean, simple, and respectful of the buildings' heritage.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of respectful
Adjective
  • The shrine provides spiritual comfort for some who mourn relatives and others who visit to express gratitude.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Not long afterward, witnesses heard groans and heavy breathing as the spiritual adviser put her hands on his shoulders and prayed over him.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of spiritual
Adjective
  • These movies always run the risk of being overly reverent, and for better and worse, Johnson’s take on Bourdain’s formative years is not concerned with reverence.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The Lost Boys gave us the chance to create something that feels reverent toward the film while still staking its own claim.
    — Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of reverent
Adjective
  • Daurawa said all the couples had undergone screening and counseling before the ceremony and that all religious and legal requirements had been fulfilled.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The city today is excluded from hosting hundreds of religious, political, labor, sports and industry events each year due to lack of hotel beds.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of religious
Adjective
  • After a while, though, all the professions of sincerity and thanks, the constant invocations of the one true POTUS, and the worshipful exhibits upstairs give the whole place a cultish, nostalgic gleam.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 June 2026
  • The secret in the biscuits is the pairing of cheddar with bacon, with the overall result being worshipful thanks from those who are lucky enough to partake.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 May 2026
Definition of worshipful

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Cite this Entry

“Reverential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverential. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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