reverence
5 synonyms and 4 antonyms for reverence, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Deep respect and awe, often tinged with a sense of the sacred.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Deep respect and awe, often tinged with a sense of the sacred.
“Visitors spoke in hushed tones, out of reverence for the ancient temple.”
Opposites
How to use reverence
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
show reverence
treat with reverence
reverence for nature
Etymology
From Old French reverence, from Latin reverentia, from revereor, "to stand in awe of".
Full origin of reverence →Frequently asked questions
What does “reverence” mean?
The word “reverence” means deep respect and awe, often tinged with a sense of the sacred. In plain terms, a feeling of profound respect, often close to religious awe.
How do you pronounce “reverence”?
“Reverence” is pronounced REHV-uh-ruhns (/ˈɹɛv.ə.ɹəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “reverence” in a sentence?
Here is “reverence” used in a sentence: “Visitors spoke in hushed tones, out of reverence for the ancient temple.”
What is the opposite of “reverence”?
The opposite of “reverence” — its antonyms — are contempt, blasphemy and profanity.
What part of speech is “reverence”?
Depending on how it is used, “reverence” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “reverence” come from?
The word “reverence” comes from Latin. From Old French reverence, from Latin reverentia, from revereor, "to stand in awe of".
Is “reverence” a common word?
“Reverence” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “reverence” have?
“Reverence” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: deep respect and awe, often tinged with a sense of the sacred.
