1
as in loyal
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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 pious
If some punters were irritatingly pious, many also had the time of their life.
—
Martin McKenzie-Murray, SPIN, 7 Jan. 2025
Paxton was born into the church and comes across as more explicitly pious and less inherently questioning of her worldview.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
The Pope is dead, and the Catholic College of Cardinals — all deeply pious men with nothing but God in their hearts, of course — start maneuvering to take his place before the Holy Father’s body has even been wheeled out of sight.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2024
The pious townspeople eat food for sustenance, not enjoyment, and for over a decade Babette dutifully prepares a rather drab-looking bread soup for the sisters, per their instructions.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 21 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pious
Martin McKenzie-Murray, SPIN, 7 Jan. 2025
Paxton was born into the church and comes across as more explicitly pious and less inherently questioning of her worldview.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
The Pope is dead, and the Catholic College of Cardinals — all deeply pious men with nothing but God in their hearts, of course — start maneuvering to take his place before the Holy Father’s body has even been wheeled out of sight.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2024
The pious townspeople eat food for sustenance, not enjoyment, and for over a decade Babette dutifully prepares a rather drab-looking bread soup for the sisters, per their instructions.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 21 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pious
Adjective
-
But the biggest blemish on his career in the eyes of Trump’s most loyal followers is voting to convict Trump in his second impeachment trial over the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Whether your loyal friend has paws, feathers, or scales, take time to recognize their essential role in your life.—
Nora Colomer,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Many devout Muslim women cover their faces with a niqab or burqa.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
21 Mar. 2025
-
The followers of the Olsens are some of the most devout people in the world.—
Aamina Inayat Khan,
StyleCaster,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Seven years later, Trump remains steadfast in his support of the act, giving advocates on both sides of the aisle a sense of cautious optimism about the possibility of more reform.—
Taylor Millard,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
21 Mar. 2025
-
In many ways, however, the tradition and Peterson’s dedication to it remain steadfast.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
With Ramadan now a season of cultural significance beyond religious observance, its musical phenomenon continues to evolve, marking a unique space where nostalgia, innovation and commercial success intersect.—
Hala Mustafa,
Billboard,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Despite hailing from a historically apolitical and publicity-avoidant religious community, the Amish farmer has turned into a kind of folk hero among MAGA Republicans — and a symbol of the political right’s growing thirst for raw milk.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
And if everyone involved is being honest — even his staunchest critics — Sanders has delivered in every way imaginable.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Musk, the world's richest person and a staunch backer of President Donald Trump, made headlines for offering money to those who agreed to sign a petition during the 2024 election.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Since the film’s release, last November, critics have been divided over whether Prieto was too reverent toward Rulfo’s work.—
Stephania Taladrid,
The New Yorker,
27 Feb. 2025
-
The performance is soft and delicate, with the few people in attendance affording Gibson the reverent silence that was so lacking in Austin.—
Matthew Ismael Ruiz,
Vulture,
17 Sep. 2024
Adjective
-
With this deep mediocre array of right-handers, the O’s faithful will have to watch for incoming projectiles from lefty pull hitters.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Mar. 2025
-
This happening in the eighth century attracted a following of monks to the village and became a must stop for faithful pilgrims.—
Valentina Di Donato,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
It's earmarked for the poor and needy and often given out during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.—
Betsy Joles,
NPR,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Awad hopes to introduce a Ramadan buffet next year for those breaking their dawn-to-sunset fast during the Muslim holy month.—
Mari Pressley,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share