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
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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
But while the main character’s mother in that movie was an antagonistic figure, Fatima’s parents are portrayed as kind, not dogmatic or ostentatiously pious.
—
Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
When any Democratic politician, including Gov. JB Pritzker, dares to stand up to extreme Republican rhetoric with any language beyond polite pablum and pious platitudes, pundits tell Democrats to lower the volume, cut the contempt and be nice.
—Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Ahmad’s pious cousin Ibrahim insists that Hassan must be killed.
—David Remnick, The New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2024
Each letter comes across as a set piece, a small achievement of style and tone: Vasari’s flowery, deferential missives to the duke, Maria’s youthful ardor and confusion, the overly pious cattiness of a nun.
—Chelsea Leu, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pious
Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
When any Democratic politician, including Gov. JB Pritzker, dares to stand up to extreme Republican rhetoric with any language beyond polite pablum and pious platitudes, pundits tell Democrats to lower the volume, cut the contempt and be nice.
—Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Ahmad’s pious cousin Ibrahim insists that Hassan must be killed.
—David Remnick, The New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2024
Each letter comes across as a set piece, a small achievement of style and tone: Vasari’s flowery, deferential missives to the duke, Maria’s youthful ardor and confusion, the overly pious cattiness of a nun.
—Chelsea Leu, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pious
Adjective
-
As for the loyal opposition, Democrats are in bad odor with voters and even many of their own partisans after Joe Biden’s handlers gaslighted the public on the frailty and declining faculties of the octogenarian president.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
-
He’s still got the voice, though a bit gravely, and a very loyal fan base.—
jsonline.com,
jsonline.com,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
Black Americans ranked more devout in each category than white Americans and Hispanic Americans, according to the poll.—
Natalie Demaree,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2025
-
Vance Boelter, the suspect in the attack, has been described as a devout Christian who has attended President Donald Trump’s campaign rallies, according to The Associated Press.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
But Rosary’s goals and its place in the community have remained steadfast, school leadership says.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
7 July 2025
-
Accessibility and Sustainability Environmental care is one of Bitter End’s most steadfast values.—
Lydia Price,
Travel + Leisure,
6 July 2025
Adjective
-
Political and religious leaders such as Malafaia and Magno Malta embrace a vengeful Jesus willing to strike down non-believers and perceived enemies of God.—
Emi Eleode,
Time,
14 July 2025
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Those generally include religious organizations like churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques in the U.S., as well as domestic nonprofit schools and hospitals.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Berrien is positioning himself as a staunch Trump backer in his first ads of the race.—
Scott Bauer,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
West's playing here is precise, reverent, never indulgent.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
19 June 2025
-
Craig is self-reflective while being appropriately reverent to the tropes of the genre.—
Katie Walsh,
Twin Cities,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
Man’s best friend has been our faithful companion for thousands of years.—
Rudy Molinek,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 July 2025
-
In Clark Kent’s corner is reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and his faithful companion Krypto the Superdog.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
13 July 2025
Adjective
-
Regardless of region, a memorable melody remains the holy grail.—
Faye Bradley,
Variety,
4 July 2025
-
On paper, unlimited PTO sounds like the holy grail of benefits a company can offer its employees—the ability to take endless vacations and avoid burnout.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pious. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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