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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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

Adjective

Philemon and Baucis, a pious Phrygian couple, hospitably received the disguised Zeus and Hermes after their richer neighbors had refused to do so.

— Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026
This was 1872, and the pious (and patronizing) commentators of the time muttered that Damien’s unvarnished personality was due to his simple farm upbringing in rural Belgium.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026

Definition of pious

Adjective

As a tribute to their compassion and tenacity in the face of horror, the six-part miniseries is above reproach — respectful and respectable, laudatory but dignified.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Monica Lewinsky's tribute to Lindsey Graham following his death sparked interest across the aisles, not only for her respectful candor, but also served as a reminder of the late senator's impact on history.

— Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026

Definition of respectful

Adjective

Adding something fun to your at-home altar like an incense holder, a statue of Venus/Aphrodite, or evil eye decor to stay grounded within yourself and embrace your spiritual side this month.

— Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
Along the way, cast members sit for personal fate readings and open up about relationships and losses in their own lives, then move into direct contact with shamanic ritual, a practice the format positions as central to Korean spiritual life.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 July 2026

Definition of spiritual

Adjective

The Lost Boys gave us the chance to create something that feels reverent toward the film while still staking its own claim.

— Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
The wedding processional began with the majestic, resonant tones of the historic church organ, setting a reverent and grand atmosphere.

— Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Definition of reverent

Adjective

Enrollment in private schools in Miami-Dade County — religious and non-religious — has increased from about 70,000 to 92,000 the past two decades, according to reporting by the Miami Herald.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Tuckers Grove, a historically Black religious camp meeting site, is about 600 feet from the northern edge of Irongate, Joshua Grant, Lincoln County planning and inspections manager told The Charlotte Observer.

— Joe Marusak July 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 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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“Reverential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverential. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of reverential

adjective

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