REVERENCE Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'reverence' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reverence are adore , revere , venerate , and worship . While all these words mean "to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully," reverence presupposes an intrinsic merit and inviolability in the one honored and a similar depth of feeling in the one honoring. // reverenced the academy's code of honor

Q: When can 'adore' be used instead of 'reverence'?

The words adore and reverence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adore implies love and stresses the notion of an individual and personal attachment. // we adored our doctor

Q: When is it sensible to use 'revere' instead of 'reverence'?

While the synonyms revere and reverence are close in meaning, revere stresses deference and tenderness of feeling. // a professor revered by her students

Q: Where would 'venerate' be a reasonable alternative to 'reverence'?

In some situations, the words venerate and reverence are roughly equivalent. However, venerate implies a holding as holy or sacrosanct because of character, association, or age. // heroes still venerated

Q: In what contexts can 'worship' take the place of 'reverence'?

The synonyms worship and reverence are sometimes interchangeable, but worship implies homage usually expressed in words or ceremony. // worships their memory

reverence 1 of 2

verb

ˈrev-rən(t)s

Definition of reverence next

as in to venerate

to offer honor or respect to (someone) as a divine power devotees coming to reverence their god

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reverence

2 of 2

noun

as in deference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reverence differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of reverence are adore, revere, venerate, and worship. While all these words mean "to honor and admire profoundly and respectfully," reverence presupposes an intrinsic merit and inviolability in the one honored and a similar depth of feeling in the one honoring.

reverenced the academy's code of honor

When can adore be used instead of reverence?

The words adore and reverence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adore implies love and stresses the notion of an individual and personal attachment.

we adored our doctor

When is it sensible to use revere instead of reverence?

While the synonyms revere and reverence are close in meaning, revere stresses deference and tenderness of feeling.

a professor revered by her students

Where would venerate be a reasonable alternative to reverence?

In some situations, the words venerate and reverence are roughly equivalent. However, venerate implies a holding as holy or sacrosanct because of character, association, or age.

heroes still venerated

In what contexts can worship take the place of reverence?

The synonyms worship and reverence are sometimes interchangeable, but worship implies homage usually expressed in words or ceremony.

worships their memory

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 reverence

Verb

Should reverence serve carelessness, even incoherence? —

Joy Williams, Harper's Magazine, 2 May 2024 Saint Heron remains dedicated to empowering future art practitioners by reverencing the spiritual act of creating and spotlighting artists’ unwavering devotion to the intergenerational language of expression. —

Dominique Fluker, Essence, 16 June 2023

Noun

Since then, its color-conscious casting and refreshing lack of reverence for the past has rewritten the rulebook for the genre. —

Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025 The powerful music filled Icehouse with electricity, and several audience members stood for the song — not as if to give a standing ovation, but out of reverence. —

Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reverence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverence

Verb

Those ancestors are to be venerated and eternally respected, not used as shorthand for the disparagement of their descendants’ art, which often explicitly exalts their history.

— Kyle Denis, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025
Men's Royal Rumble This year, the Men's Royal Rumble is filled with plenty of deserving talent, with exciting newcomers like Jacob Fatu and venerated veterans like Rey Mysterio.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025