as in holiness
the quality or state of being spiritually pure or virtuous
true saintliness requires utter selflessness and devotion to others
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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.
—
Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saintliness
Noun
-
For millions of people, for more than 2,000 years, the advent has represented an opportunity to reflect, to anticipate—to make holiness out of the spiritual equivalent of standing in line, to sit in stillness during the year’s darkest time and know the light is coming.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
18 Nov. 2025
-
Here, and in the show’s finale, Lipton nails a very Wilderean combination of bluntness, holiness, and dry humor.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
14 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Neptune, the planet of dreams, spirituality, fantasy, and illusion, has finally moved into the fiery sign of Aries.—
Katharina Fuchs,
Vogue,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Hamid, a religious Muslim, also exudes a spirituality that stands in contrast to many of his peers.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Saintliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saintliness. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
