1
as in steadfast
firm in one's allegiance to someone or something
a pious supporter of his school's athletic teams, during winning and losing seasons alike
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devout
showing a devotion to God and to a life of virtue
a pious woman who decided to become a nun
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pious
In theory, their story ought to have enough drama to satisfy both pious and secular tastes.
—
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026
In his native Paine, a quiet agricultural town just south of Santiago, some residents remember the Kast family fondly as a pious clan who built a successful meat and restaurant business.
—John Bartlett, NPR, 11 Mar. 2026
His political campaign is spinning into high gear, posting videos showing him as a pious governor holding a Bible, praying and hugging pastors.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
Singh, who would be our local guide, always wore the five traits of a pious Sikh man — uncut hair (symbolizing strength and holiness and topped by the identifying turban), a steel bracelet, wooden comb, sheathed dagger and a baggy undergarment dating back to the Sikhs’ warrior days on horses.
—Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pious
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 22 Mar. 2026
In his native Paine, a quiet agricultural town just south of Santiago, some residents remember the Kast family fondly as a pious clan who built a successful meat and restaurant business.
—John Bartlett, NPR, 11 Mar. 2026
His political campaign is spinning into high gear, posting videos showing him as a pious governor holding a Bible, praying and hugging pastors.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026
Singh, who would be our local guide, always wore the five traits of a pious Sikh man — uncut hair (symbolizing strength and holiness and topped by the identifying turban), a steel bracelet, wooden comb, sheathed dagger and a baggy undergarment dating back to the Sikhs’ warrior days on horses.
—Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pious
Adjective
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But certainly nothing may have damaged their trust more than the steadfast assertions that the COVID vaccines were able to stop infection and transmission.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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Their families both have expressed steadfast support of Broadnax's execution.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a devout socialist and one of the most vocal opponents of the Pentagon’s Operation Epic Fury in Iran, brushed off the threat of being removed from the alliance.—
Mike Brest,
The Washington Examiner,
24 Apr. 2026
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The Pharisees were the most devout members of ancient Israeli society, and their real agenda was not to trouble Jesus, but to protest against and challenge Rome.—
Letters to the Editor,
Washington Post,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Scott Quigley, a loyal minion of yet another septuagenarian Democrat hack DA, Marian Ryan of Middlesex County.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
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Locals often describe Elizabeth Creamery as a hidden gem — a small, friendly spot with homemade ice cream and a loyal following that keeps people coming back.—
Tristan Graziano,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Today, Lowery is an atheist, having left the Catholic Church a long time ago, but his religious upbringing still has a hold on him.—
Chris O'Falt,
IndieWire,
29 Apr. 2026
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Skewering everything from leftist factional infighting to religious zealotry, the movie follows Brian (Graham Chapman), born in the same stable as Jesus and initially mistaken for him.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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In most cases, the first few episodes of a series stream for free, and a viewer pays for the rest; profit is further maximized through a staunch commitment to efficiency, often at the expense of labor standards.—
Chang Che,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
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Arbeloa was one of Jose Mourinho’s staunchest defenders during the Portuguese manager’s divisive time in charge from 2010-2013 — when Mourinho fell out with then-captain and Spain icon Iker Casillas.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
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Newman often seems to be reciting his lyrics, even incanting them, reverent and repetitive.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Pitchfork,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This is a faithful recreation of the original game that takes full advantage of modern gaming tech.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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Despite the critical lashing, the audience score has been propped up by faithful fans and is sitting at 96%.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The White House and the Pentagon have used Old Testament verses to frame political or military objectives as holy missions.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
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There are views onto the peaks of the mountains that march towards Nepal and Tibet on the ancient pilgrimage route to Mt Kailash, the holiest of sites in four religions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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