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
  • Others regard the unum as a pious myth.
    — James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
  • However, this distinction did more than pit pious Americans against an atheist enemy.
    — David Williamson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Definition of pious
Adjective
  • Many national chains prefer that customers not take merchandise from the cart before staff put it out, so asking first helps maintain a respectful atmosphere.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 14 July 2026
  • Our tour leaders, office team and local partners share a belief that the best travel is not extractive or performative, but respectful, curious and human.
    — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of respectful
Adjective
  • In his work, Hujar returned again and again to the spiritual life of his sitters—an invisible presence in his images.
    — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • The principal of my Christian high school regularly attributed world happenings—terrorist attacks, presidents elected or not elected, the price of gas—to unseen spiritual warfare.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
Definition of spiritual
Adjective
  • Not a hushed and reverent scene at all, lively and fun.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of reverent
Adjective
  • Patron saints of emergency responders, these religious figures were supposed to be unveiled at the police and fire headquarters.
    — Tara Sonenshine, Baltimore Sun, 11 July 2026
  • There are no longer religious figures like Billy Graham who serve as the unofficial spokespeople for American Christianity.
    — Meghan O’Gieblyn, The New York Review of Books, 11 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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