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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Recent Examples of reverential
The fight between the two very different billionaires is emblematic of a growing culture clash in the art world, as the old guard faces off with collectors from the tech sector who tend to be less reverential toward the market’s norms.
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Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025
Inaba’s portrait of the human-feline relationship is reverential, an expression of devotion in its attention to detail.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
His age, recent back-to-back bouts of cancer and ongoing radiotherapy complications notwithstanding, Book’s drive is so tireless that it’s become something of a reverential joke among many who interact with him.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
While reverential to the brand’s history and its signature bravado, Puglisi brings a thoughtfulness to his work that his predecessors largely resisted.
—Ian Malone, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reverential
Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025
Inaba’s portrait of the human-feline relationship is reverential, an expression of devotion in its attention to detail.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
His age, recent back-to-back bouts of cancer and ongoing radiotherapy complications notwithstanding, Book’s drive is so tireless that it’s become something of a reverential joke among many who interact with him.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025
While reverential to the brand’s history and its signature bravado, Puglisi brings a thoughtfulness to his work that his predecessors largely resisted.
—Ian Malone, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reverential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverential
Adjective
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Jill’s teenage son Brad (George Ferrier) is just as calculating, if not nearly as savvy, pressuring his pious girlfriend Abby (Madison Wolfe) for a repeat of their prom-night hookup while pursuing other partners.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
21 July 2025
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Those healthy enough were put through a daily regimen of religious education and physical schooling intended to train them to be pious and obedient.—
Ann Foster,
JSTOR Daily,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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The church continues to serve as a pilgrimage site, and officials plan to keep the process respectful and collaborative, welcoming input from Catholics, Anglicans, and the international community.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 July 2025
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After protracted and respectful… — Tony Buzbee (@TonyBuzbee2) July 18, 2025 A dismissal with prejudice means Sharpe’s accuser cannot refile the same claim against him in the same Las Vegas court.—
Matt Moret,
New York Times,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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The series invites fans on a metaphysical road trip through the West Coast sunset with a euphoric lineup designed to illuminate audiences and create space for community, connection and spiritual transformation.—
Caroline Tell,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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In Austin as elsewhere, the Roman Catholic faithful gathered Monday to mourn the death of their spiritual head, Pope Francis. More than 100 parishioners attended noon Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in downtown Austin.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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His surviving works — just over 30 in all — form a kind of visual music or poetry: reverent, revelatory.—
Jerry Saltz,
Vulture,
2 July 2025
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Elena holds her headstrong, intellectually gifted friend Lila in reverent admiration, but the girls’ paths diverge when Lila, who cannot afford to continue her education, marries an abusive man, while Elena goes to university and becomes a writer.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Denise Irene Roberts, 61, of Santa Clara is accused of burning a Nativity scene and other religious displays outside Christ Church North Bay in Novato on July 12.—
Cameron Macdonald,
Mercury News,
25 July 2025
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The Iranian diaspora is extraordinarily diverse, and political and generational outlooks often transcend religious lines.—
Dan Bilefsky,
HollywoodReporter,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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On Wednesday morning, the secretary-general followed up with a photo op alongside Trump; his language during the press conference was, if anything, even more worshipful.—
Susan B. Glasser,
New Yorker,
26 June 2025
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Conway, an Irishman like Fennell, rides a motorbike, inspires worshipful devotion in his crew, and can free-dive to extraordinary depths.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reverential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverential. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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