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 The service The service is maybe a touch more reverential than other Four Seasons outposts, but interactions are warm and friendly. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026 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 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
  • But the overall picture of religious infighting in 1640s Britain is essential to understanding how some people, especially poorer folk and especially women, found themselves on the wrong side of powerful, pious opponents.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Romania is one of the most pious countries in the European Union, with around 85% of the population identifying as religious.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of pious
Adjective
  • These sources are confident the deal will be completely finalised soon but are respectful of the CSD's processes and timelines.
    — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Safety measures should be unobtrusive, effective and respectful.
    — Joe Fleckenstein, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of respectful
Adjective
  • Each work takes its cues from Vodou spiritual practices in Haiti that are grounded in their African roots.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Since those moments Birmingham has occupied a central space in the physical and spiritual lineage of America's Civil Rights Movement.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of spiritual
Adjective
  • Brought from the page to the gallery wall, Loran’s diagram looks a bit like anti-art rather than reverent analysis of a masterpiece.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • But an extensive fiiing made by the trust to a Tennessee court late Tuesday afternoon paint a different portrait of Seaver than the reverent one seen in the death announcement video.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of reverent
Adjective
  • Its accompanying music video, directed by longtime U2 collaborator Anton Corbijn, was filmed in the California desert and satirizes the band as a religious cult in which women do the heavy lifting.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week Hasan’s execution would be livestreamed, eliciting pushback from Democrats, Republicans and religious advocates about the idea.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 15 Oct. 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 Oct. 2026.

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