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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Recent Examples of reverential
The conversation has turned almost reverential, sometimes even a bit pretentious.
—
Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Far from being familiar or reverential, the Tate show, curated by Amy Concannon, is a revelation.
—Jenny Uglow, The New York Review of Books, 27 Nov. 2025
There are also occasional flashes of Sharon Van Etten’s early 2010s albums, and producer Adam Schatz (of Landlady, who has also worked with Japanese Breakfast and Neko Case) has created a perfect setting for the songs that evokes the ’70s influences without being overly reverential.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Maggie shows reverential awe for Alma, who carries the same regard for her student whilst having a nepotistic bond with Hank.
—Essence, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reverential
Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Far from being familiar or reverential, the Tate show, curated by Amy Concannon, is a revelation.
—Jenny Uglow, The New York Review of Books, 27 Nov. 2025
There are also occasional flashes of Sharon Van Etten’s early 2010s albums, and producer Adam Schatz (of Landlady, who has also worked with Japanese Breakfast and Neko Case) has created a perfect setting for the songs that evokes the ’70s influences without being overly reverential.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Maggie shows reverential awe for Alma, who carries the same regard for her student whilst having a nepotistic bond with Hank.
—Essence, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reverential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverential
Adjective
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However, this distinction did more than pit pious Americans against an atheist enemy.—
David Williamson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 June 2026
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In Wake-Keeper (2026), a roughly four-by-five-foot canvas, a pious man draped in the red cloth of traditional Ghanaian funeral attire sits on a stool with his hands clasped, his body facing the left side of the frame.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The New York Review of Books,
6 June 2026
Adjective
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The university is steadfastly committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every member of our community.—
Adam Sabes , CB Cotton,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
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Cultural advisors ensure all aspects of the resort, including programming and design, are authentic and respectful.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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Related Stories The project will explore Gaudí’s life, inner battles and spiritual evolution, framing the architect as a radical creative force shaped by faith and an increasingly austere existence.—
Emiliano de Pablos,
Variety,
16 June 2026
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He’s also teamed with Sam Obey, Will Epstein, and Celia Hollander to explore drifting ambient music and spiritual jazz.—
Dash Lewis,
Pitchfork,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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Not a hushed and reverent scene at all, lively and fun.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
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This is a lovely, if rather decorous and reverent, tale of an illicit affair that’s unlikely to cause as much noise as Dhont’s last two films.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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The former football player explained that his religious upbringing and internal struggle with his sexuality both contributed to his decision to remain a virgin.—
Deirdre Durkan,
PEOPLE,
17 June 2026
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But, of course, as some of you may be thinking, nothing causes more pain than the desire for pleasure—a fact attested to by countless love songs and religious texts.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 June 2026
Adjective
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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
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Since 1980, her partner had been the kindly, worshipful Dutch actor Robert Wolders, whom Ferrer likens to a gentlemanly doormat.—
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reverential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverential. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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