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.
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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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Others limit prayer to God alone and emphasize remembering saints primarily as historical models of holiness.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Mar. 2026
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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
Noun
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Rather, Leo seems inspired by the calm, persistent zeal to preach the Gospel and — thanks to his Augustinian spirituality — emphasize community and harmony.—
Nicole Winfield,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
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Works by Granara, for example, recall elements of spirituality and stream of consciousness.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Saintliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saintliness. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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