reverent

adjective

rev·​er·​ent ˈrev-rənt How to pronounce reverent (audio)
ˈre-və-;
ˈre-vərnt
Synonyms of reverent
: expressing or characterized by reverence : worshipful
reverently adverb

Examples of reverent in a Sentence

a reverent crowd of worshippers a reverent tone of voice
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.
Around them, an aristocratic winemaker defines his legacy, a legendary maître d’hôtel seeks his heir, and a reverent wine critic pursues the sublime. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026 These movies always run the risk of being overly reverent, and for better and worse, Johnson’s take on Bourdain’s formative years is not concerned with reverence. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026 The Lost Boys gave us the chance to create something that feels reverent toward the film while still staking its own claim. — Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 The wedding processional began with the majestic, resonant tones of the historic church organ, setting a reverent and grand atmosphere. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reverent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin reverent-, reverens, present participle of reverērī "to stand in awe of, revere entry 1"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reverent was in the 14th century

Rhymes for reverent

See All Rhymes for reverent

Browse Nearby Words

reverendship
reverent
reverential
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reverent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reverent. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reverent

adjective
rev·​er·​ent ˈrev-(ə-)rənt How to pronounce reverent (audio)
ˈrev-ərnt
: very respectful : showing reverence
reverently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on reverent

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