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
-
As Mildred Layton, the pious pastor’s wife first played on screen by Kristin Chenoweth, Ana Gasteyer is in her element.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The Colombian grandmother of my childhood summers was funny, mean, pious, and hard—despite being tremendously sensitive in her own way.—
Adriana E. Ramírez,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Survivor, which is shot mainly on Mana Island with the cast staying on satellite islands, has been respectful and donated to the organization.—
MIchelle Duff,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Be respectful of the space and those praying.—
Lauren Schuster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Across TikTok, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Goodreads, and Reddit, reactions have focused less on the craft of fiction writing than on the spiritual subjugation of women that any media about this topic must, by nature, interrogate and include.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
28 Apr. 2026
-
During his trial in January, prosecutors said the former actor weaponized his reputation as a Lakota medicine man, exploiting cultural traditions and spiritual beliefs to prey on Indigenous women and girls.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In the sumptuousness of the bibliophile’s parlor, studying Black history occasioned reverent, joyous gatherings.—
Laura E. Helton,
Literary Hub,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Newman often seems to be reciting his lyrics, even incanting them, reverent and repetitive.—
Elizabeth Nelson,
Pitchfork,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
That topic was debated at CinemaCon last week, where Cruise described his new venture Digger to a worshipful audience.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Carpenter was similarly worshipful of the star, especially when the subject of height came up.—
Vanity Fair,
Vanity Fair,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reverential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reverential. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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