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
Standing in front of the former CBGB, Pinn lowered his voice to a reverential register, and explained that when the club was forced to close over a rent dispute, in 2006, Hilly Kristal, its owner, put everything inside into storage, including the urinals.
—
Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The fight between the two very different billionaires is emblematic of a growing culture clash in the art world, as the old guard faces off with collectors from the tech sector who tend to be less reverential toward the market’s norms.
—Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025
His age, recent back-to-back bouts of cancer and ongoing radiotherapy complications notwithstanding, Book’s drive is so tireless that it’s become something of a reverential joke among many who interact with him.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
While reverential to the brand’s history and its signature bravado, Puglisi brings a thoughtfulness to his work that his predecessors largely resisted.
—Ian Malone, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reverential
Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
The fight between the two very different billionaires is emblematic of a growing culture clash in the art world, as the old guard faces off with collectors from the tech sector who tend to be less reverential toward the market’s norms.
—Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025
His age, recent back-to-back bouts of cancer and ongoing radiotherapy complications notwithstanding, Book’s drive is so tireless that it’s become something of a reverential joke among many who interact with him.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
While reverential to the brand’s history and its signature bravado, Puglisi brings a thoughtfulness to his work that his predecessors largely resisted.
—Ian Malone, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reverential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverential
Adjective
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The mobius-thinking at times almost seems like Medieval Zen, what with the emphasis on emptiness and silent meditation, and in fact that was what the Church fathers objected to most: too much quiet, solitary contemplation, not enough pious instruction.—
Jon Raymond
August 5,
Literary Hub,
5 Aug. 2025
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This may well sound like something that would’ve been played as a pious Christian allegory in another era.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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And 90% agree that new ways and words are needed to foster respectful dialogue and empathy.—
Brian Castrucci,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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The alliance is part of a nationwide movement fostering respectful, cross-partisan dialogue for community members.—
Ut Community Press,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Tom’s final epiphany related to his estranged son isn’t earned, but not because of Ruffalo; his performance cuts a fine line between bitterly self-destructive and warmly spiritual.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
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Her book is a narrative of personal transformation and spiritual awakening.—
CHRISTINA MAYO,
Miami Herald,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The submissions tell a story of Massachusetts that is equal parts reverent and irreverent, with Bay Staters leaning on history while having fun with their future.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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Stanton’s voice, once critical of Lincoln, became reverent by the time of his assassination.—
Kevin Kruse,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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How the courts and legislatures balance the rights of the majority and minority in these disputes over the place of the Ten Commandments in public life may go a long way toward shaping the future of religious freedom in American public education.—
Lydia Artz,
The Conversation,
5 Sep. 2025
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Families in Florida can also seek temporary or permanent exemptions for medical or religious reasons.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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West was at the height of his cultural influence and had handpicked Chance, a fellow Chicago native, as his protégé—the successor to the soul-drenched, worshipful hip-hop that West had popularized in the mid-two-thousands.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
20 Aug. 2025
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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,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reverential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverential. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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