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
-
Maria, austere and deeply pious, runs the business with an iron hand, obsessed with making the family’s origins forgotten.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
-
As Mildred Layton, the pious pastor’s wife first played on screen by Kristin Chenoweth, Ana Gasteyer is in her element.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Classy, tasteful, and respectful authority, but authority nonetheless.—
Mark Harris OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
-
Colbert had a warm and respectful connection with the musician, who appeared on the show several times.—
Maira Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
But there’s ephemera in the spiritual sense of craft—the spare remarks and objects that constitute the overflow cut for cleaner syntax or word count.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
Take time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
Breakfast included, indoor fireplace, backyard, desert views Found on Navajo land in Arizona, Shash Dine’ draws visitors thanks to its stargazing opportunities, as well as its reverent efforts to keep indigenous culture and tradition alive.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
29 Apr. 2026
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In the sumptuousness of the bibliophile’s parlor, studying Black history occasioned reverent, joyous gatherings.—
Laura E. Helton,
Literary Hub,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Many, though not all, Shiites support Hezbollah, as do Lebanese from other religious groups.—
Rania Abouzeid,
New Yorker,
21 May 2026
-
Hunting, gathering, and ceremonies connected to the Brunot lands are integral to Ute religious and cultural life, with the Ute people historically returning to familiar hunting and gathering areas year after year.—
Shaun Chapoose,
Denver Post,
20 May 2026
Adjective
-
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
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For sports fans, especially those worshipful of King Eric, this is pure cinematic cocaine, neatly chopped out, electrifying at first although too much of it could leave you feeling jaded and jangly.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reverential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverential. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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