as in holiness
the quality or state of being spiritually pure or virtuous
they say that cleanliness is next to godliness
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Recent Examples of godliness
On both sides of the war for Gilead, usefulness is next to godliness.
—
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
At its core, this transit is a reminder that clarity is power and in Virgo’s world, cleanliness really is next to godliness.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Cowliness is next to godliness.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025
Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026
At its core, this transit is a reminder that clarity is power and in Virgo’s world, cleanliness really is next to godliness.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Cowliness is next to godliness.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for godliness
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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Faith is part of the America's 250 years Faith is quintessential to American history, Mathewes says, from Native American spirituality to Christian practices of protestant settlers who first arrived from Europe to the country's robust Jewish, Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist communities.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
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The nine-track LP is a much rawer offering in her discography, exploring themes of spirituality, ego death, and the human psyche.—
Shirley Halperin,
Rolling Stone,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Godliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/godliness. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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