GODLY Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

godly

adjective

ˈgäd-lē

Definition of godly

as in pious

showing a devotion to God and to a life of virtue a godly and humble man who will be richly rewarded in the next world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in divine

of, relating to, or being God a godly voice from the heavens commanded him to build an ark

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 godly Dozens of boys say they were abused in a Christian scouting program that vowed to raise godly men. — Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 22 May 2026 But this new condominium features more than a godly cityscape. — Michael Gross, Air Mail, 4 Apr. 2026 Baruch Spinoza argued for a singular godly substance of which everything in existence is an attribute. — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2026 Trump’s version of Christianity instead preaches no mercy for those against him, demands followers exalt him above everything, celebrates the gaudy instead of the godly. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for godly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for godly

Adjective

But the overall picture of religious infighting in 1640s Britain is essential to understanding how some people, especially poorer folk and especially women, found themselves on the wrong side of powerful, pious opponents.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
Romania is one of the most pious countries in the European Union, with around 85% of the population identifying as religious.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of pious

Adjective

But to conservative Christian critics, even the possibility of portraying a divine Christ figure as anything but male goes beyond artistic license.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026
In mid-September, Oprah posted an Instagram reel wearing the most divine sweater, which combined a fisherman knit with delicate lace trim.

— Annie Blackman, InStyle, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of divine

Adjective

Jones forced his religious and political views onto Levy throughout their relationship, according to prosecutors.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026
One of the newly unemployed is Olivia Siffre (Rachel Keller), a fledgling lawyer who recently moved to California to get away from her hovering, hyper-religious parents.

— Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of religious

Adjective

Groff’s writing is always transcendent, and her prose is especially on display in Matrix’s passages of holy visions, bodily lust, and political power.

— James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
Gifting the roses to holy shrines, images or basilicas separates them from any suggestion of political and religious alliance or favoritism.

— Joëlle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of holy

Adjective

The backstory Personas in the hotel’s backstory include a Thai rockstar-slash-antiques collector, a devout Buddhist business tycoon, and a superstar designer.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Some of the plot points had changed—the pilgrim’s less-devout husband, for example, was a more robust character.

— Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of devout

Adjective

The duo think they’re headed to the heavenly afterlife only to arrive at the office of the Devil (voiced by Culkin), who seems overwhelmed by his job.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
To qualify for beatification, the Vatican normally requires one miracle attributable to the faithful seeking the candidate's heavenly prayers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of heavenly

Adjective

The wellness sanctuary and healing arts studio is rooted in ancient rituals and holistic treatments, like sacred sound therapy.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The governor also vetoed a bill authored by Assemblymember James Ramos (D-Highland) that would have established protections for tribes to hold religious ceremonies at sacred sites on state lands.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of sacred

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“Godly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/godly. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of godly

adjective

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