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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reverence

2 of 2

noun

as in deference

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Examples of reverence in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

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 The four core Franciscan values are: showing compassion, making peace, creating a caring community, and reverencing all of creation. —

Journal Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2023

Noun

Reciprocally, Hamilton quite apparently enjoys the collaboration the two of them share, which is rooted in Martorano’s understanding of and reverence for the tailors who came before him. —

Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2024 His inventions were a mesmerizing combination of reverence (to the local design history) and playfulness. —

Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reverence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverence

Verb

The word is divine; God is best worshipped by venerating his language.

Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
The people would create saints out of their ancestors and venerate them under the disguise of religion.

Damien Scott, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2024