as in pious
showing a devotion to God and to a life of virtue
a saintly man who devoted his life to caring for the dying
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Recent Examples of saintly
Where ancient midwives had summoned divine assistance by uttering incantations, medieval maternity caregivers called upon saintly mothers by reciting rhythmical charms.
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Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
The truth is that the flamenco-fusion artist undertook years of research and hired the London Symphony Orchestra not to teach—nor even, despite her saintly air, to preach.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025
Bouldering Project officially marks its entrance into the saintly city on Saturday when the doors open to its 36,000-square-foot bouldering facility in St. Paul’s West Side neighborhood.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 14 Nov. 2025
Plus, their father was the deacon of the local Catholic congregation – all the more reason to maintain a saintly lifestyle.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for saintly
Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026
The truth is that the flamenco-fusion artist undertook years of research and hired the London Symphony Orchestra not to teach—nor even, despite her saintly air, to preach.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025
Bouldering Project officially marks its entrance into the saintly city on Saturday when the doors open to its 36,000-square-foot bouldering facility in St. Paul’s West Side neighborhood.
—Mars King, Twin Cities, 14 Nov. 2025
Plus, their father was the deacon of the local Catholic congregation – all the more reason to maintain a saintly lifestyle.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for saintly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saintly
Adjective
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As Mildred Layton, the pious pastor’s wife first played on screen by Kristin Chenoweth, Ana Gasteyer is in her element.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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The Colombian grandmother of my childhood summers was funny, mean, pious, and hard—despite being tremendously sensitive in her own way.—
Adriana E. Ramírez,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The series written by Tolkien, a devout Catholic, became a popular franchise with conservatives.—
Alexander Hall,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
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There are other surprises in store for even the most devout Frankenthaler fans.—
Grace Edquist,
Vogue,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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The detentions come after a handful of other arrests months earlier, but Fúnez has long been pinpointed by local environmental and religious leaders as the man who spearheaded the assassination.—
Marlon González,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
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The complaint alleged Rollins has sent numerous religious emails to USDA employees since becoming secretary in February 2025, including an Independence Day email calling for God’s protection of and favor toward the United States.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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Reviews rank it only behind the sainted Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar; 711 W. Magnolia Ave., 682-326-1994, instagram.com/yoichi_omakase_handroll.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Mar. 2026
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The movement had adherents among the student body and on the faculty at the Catholic University in Chiclayo, which has about ten thousand students, and the cathedral boasted an enormous portrait of Josemaria Escrivá, Opus Dei’s sainted founder.—
Paul Elie,
New Yorker,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The issue is particularly pronounced in Jerusalem’s Old City, a densely populated area with narrow alleyways of ancient stones, which houses holy sites for Judaism, Christianity and Islam.—
Melanie Lidman,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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Ashwagandha, reishi, turmeric and holy basil now appear in serums, masks and moisturizers for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.—
Ryan Brennan,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Breakfast included, indoor fireplace, backyard, desert views Found on Navajo land in Arizona, Shash Dine’ draws visitors thanks to its stargazing opportunities, as well as its reverent efforts to keep indigenous culture and tradition alive.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
29 Apr. 2026
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In the sumptuousness of the bibliophile’s parlor, studying Black history occasioned reverent, joyous gatherings.—
Laura E. Helton,
Literary Hub,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Saintly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saintly. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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