as in holiness
the quality or state of being spiritually pure or virtuous
true saintliness requires utter selflessness and devotion to others
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Recent Examples of saintliness
In the years following Wallace’s death, this aura of saintliness likely derived from the combination of his moral seriousness as a fiction writer—his attunement to the heroism of private suffering and emotional endurance—and the fact of his premature end.
—
Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saintliness
Noun
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Even adversaries in the Arab world have never sunk to attacking the holiness of the Western Wall.—
Steven Burg,
Sun Sentinel,
23 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
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What is the difference between superstition, spirituality, and religion?—
CBS News,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
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Fasting from dawn to sundown during Ramadan, Islam’s holy month, is intended to focus attention on spirituality, gratitude and prayer.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Saintliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saintliness. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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