REVERENTIAL Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

reverential

adjective

Definition of reverential

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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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 There was the viral pleasure and even pride in seeing foreigners encounter Buc-ee’s with reverential appreciation or giddily experience industrial quantities of Mountain Dew Baja Blast at Taco Bell. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 Japan’s players, initially reverential to the point of deference in Zico’s presence, came out of their shells. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 29 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for reverential

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverential

Adjective

The Chicano values of the younger generation aren’t in alignment with the political orientation of the pious old guard.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
But the overall picture of religious infighting in 1640s Britain is essential to understanding how some people, especially poorer folk and especially women, found themselves on the wrong side of powerful, pious opponents.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of pious

Adjective

Hood is a spiritual advisor to inmates all over the country, but has been busier than usual in Florida — a state that has put a record-breaking 38 people to death since 2025, with more scheduled this year, under the guidance of DeSantis.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
And then, obviously, there’s the spiritual side of this, his spiritual struggle with his faith.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of spiritual

Adjective

McDoom is mostly more reverent toward her acid-folk references than her Jamaican ones.

— Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
Brought from the page to the gallery wall, Loran’s diagram looks a bit like anti-art rather than reverent analysis of a masterpiece.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of reverent

Adjective

Kerr is a longtime Democrat whose father Malcolm was assassinated by religious extremists in 1984 while the elder Kerr served as the president of the American University of Beirut in Lebanon.

— Liam Russell, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2026
Organizers say anyone is welcome to join — religious or not — and that the goal is to leave with a deeper understanding of those who live alongside us.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 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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“Reverential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverential. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of reverential

adjective

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