reverential

adjective

rev·​er·​en·​tial ˌre-və-ˈren(t)-shəl How to pronounce reverential (audio)
Synonyms of reverential
1
: expressing or having a quality of reverence
reverential awe
2
: inspiring reverence
reverentially
ˌre-və-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē How to pronounce reverential (audio)
adverb

Examples of reverential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Luccardi’s relationship with it was rather less reverential by the end of the shoot. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026 There was the viral pleasure and even pride in seeing foreigners encounter Buc-ee’s with reverential appreciation or giddily experience industrial quantities of Mountain Dew Baja Blast at Taco Bell. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 Japan’s players, initially reverential to the point of deference in Zico’s presence, came out of their shells. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 29 June 2026 The service The service is maybe a touch more reverential than other Four Seasons outposts, but interactions are warm and friendly. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reverential

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin reverentiālis, from Latin reverentia reverence entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reverential was circa 1555

Rhymes for reverential

See All Rhymes for reverential

Browse Nearby Words

reverent
reverential
reverer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reverential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reverential. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reverential

adjective
rev·​er·​en·​tial ˌrev-ə-ˈren-chəl How to pronounce reverential (audio)
1
: showing or having a quality of reverence
2
: inspiring reverence
reverentially
-ˈrench-(ə-)lē How to pronounce reverential (audio)
adverb

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