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

Examples 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

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

These qualities are related and relate to their ability to command the reverence of myriad peoples from the rise of the Greek city-state to the fall of the Roman empire. —

Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 That first film, which celebrates the strength and power of young girls — as well as Polynesian culture with reverence and specificity — was a balm in the uncertain November of 2016. —

Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reverence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reverence

Verb

The first woman to lead Mexico is also Mexico's first president of Jewish ancestry, notable in a country whose Spanish colonial roots are Catholic and millions venerate the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Lauren Villagran, USA TODAY, 1 Oct. 2024
Cacao was used by the pre-Columbian populations of the Maya and Aztecs, who venerated it as a sacred food.

Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2024