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 conversation has turned almost reverential, sometimes even a bit pretentious.
—
Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Far from being familiar or reverential, the Tate show, curated by Amy Concannon, is a revelation.
—Jenny Uglow, The New York Review of Books, 27 Nov. 2025
There are also occasional flashes of Sharon Van Etten’s early 2010s albums, and producer Adam Schatz (of Landlady, who has also worked with Japanese Breakfast and Neko Case) has created a perfect setting for the songs that evokes the ’70s influences without being overly reverential.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Maggie shows reverential awe for Alma, who carries the same regard for her student whilst having a nepotistic bond with Hank.
—Essence, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reverential
Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 31 Dec. 2025
Far from being familiar or reverential, the Tate show, curated by Amy Concannon, is a revelation.
—Jenny Uglow, The New York Review of Books, 27 Nov. 2025
There are also occasional flashes of Sharon Van Etten’s early 2010s albums, and producer Adam Schatz (of Landlady, who has also worked with Japanese Breakfast and Neko Case) has created a perfect setting for the songs that evokes the ’70s influences without being overly reverential.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Maggie shows reverential awe for Alma, who carries the same regard for her student whilst having a nepotistic bond with Hank.
—Essence, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reverential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverential
Adjective
-
In addition to the pious, persevering Goma and flawed Chandravati in the mortal realm, in the divine realm there are the goddesses Sati and her reincarnation as Parvati.—
Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz,
The Conversation,
24 Mar. 2026
-
In theory, their story ought to have enough drama to satisfy both pious and secular tastes.—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Excellent service—non-invasive but helpful and respectful.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The response was respectful, if not exactly electric.—
Theoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Dalai Lama calls for peace Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Tuesday posted an appeal for an end to war in the Middle East.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Pickled foods often accompanied bread during blessings, emphasizing their role as both sustenance and spiritual connection.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Nakamura, who works almost exclusively in his native Japan, smooths over those divisions, creating reverent, porous structures that open to the landscape or curl in on themselves in repose.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The gallery hummed with the ideal number and mix of people—reverent Sherald fans, art students in statement glasses, and little kids rushing up to the massive canvases and screaming in delight.—
Josh Tyrangiel,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Tobolowsky previously rejected motions from other Gateway elders, ruling that the suit was not a religious issue and could be handled in secular court.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Officials in these countries have argued that the Brotherhood operates through a mix of religious outreach, political activism, charitable organizations and media platforms to influence public opinion and challenge state authority.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Essentially worshipful in its view of Lee, the movie never acknowledges that one person drawing so much unbridled admiration is more than a little creepy.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
25 Dec. 2025
-
But while his adoration does have an erotic edge to it (see: The Shape of Water), on the whole, his affection for the misshapen and the outcast among us is more worshipful than overtly lusty.—
Katie Rife,
Vulture,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Reverential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverential. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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