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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
The opening-week success of the younger-skewing Predator: Badlands offers hope, and though his film doesn’t quite go as agreeably haywire as Ari Aster’s Eddington, Wright is working in a similarly ambitious, contemporary-retro style that’s reverential without being the slightest bit nostalgic.
—
Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 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
This is a different era, one less reverential of spiritual authority.
—D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reverential
Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 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
This is a different era, one less reverential of spiritual authority.
—D. T. Max, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reverential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverential
Adjective
-
His political campaign is spinning into high gear, posting videos showing him as a pious governor holding a Bible, praying and hugging pastors.—
Torrey Snow,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Singh, who would be our local guide, always wore the five traits of a pious Sikh man — uncut hair (symbolizing strength and holiness and topped by the identifying turban), a steel bracelet, wooden comb, sheathed dagger and a baggy undergarment dating back to the Sikhs’ warrior days on horses.—
Norma Meyer,
Oc Register,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Everyone's completely respectful.—
Chris Snellgrove,
Entertainment Weekly,
27 Feb. 2026
-
In her first year at the job, Tuttle was broadly praised for her efforts to foster an open and respectful debate on Gaza and other contentious political issues.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s why the casting of nonprofessionals is at the core of the modernist project of cinematic demystification, the stripping of theatrical artifice to arrive at an essence—whether social, spiritual, formal, or emotional.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
25 Feb. 2026
-
In the painting, darkness is broken by a figure in bright turquoise silk, which inspired the collection’s tension between traditional religious ideals and personal spiritual beliefs.—
Mary Wenthur,
Footwear News,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s the biggest takeaway from the singer/songwriter’s magical, spirited and joyous performance Saturday night in front of a sold-out, absolutely reverent crowd at Target Center in downtown Minneapolis.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Phones stayed largely down — which in this case felt less like reverent immersion and more like a crowd waiting for something to catch fire.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Presidential Medal of Freedom has previously been awarded to politicians, religious leaders, artists, fashion designers and others who have made significant contributions to American society.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Students are able to organize prayer groups and religious clubs or gatherings before, during and after the school day in Fort Worth ISD.—
Lina Ruiz,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Essentially worshipful in its view of Lee, the movie never acknowledges that one person drawing so much unbridled admiration is more than a little creepy.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
25 Dec. 2025
-
But while his adoration does have an erotic edge to it (see: The Shape of Water), on the whole, his affection for the misshapen and the outcast among us is more worshipful than overtly lusty.—
Katie Rife,
Vulture,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reverential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverential. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
