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Definitions

genuflect

[jen-yoo-flekt] / ˈdʒɛn jʊˌflɛkt /
VERB
kneel
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Shows like “Top Chef” teach us to genuflect at the altars of celebrity culinarians, viewing their restaurants and signature dishes as luxury experiences as opposed to showing regular folks how to think innovatively about dinner.

From Salon Jan. 30, 2026

Turn off your cellphones and get ready to genuflect because Patti LuPone, musical theater royalty, is heading to the Hollywood Bowl on July 30 for a one-night tribute to Sondheim.

From Los Angeles Times May 9, 2023

“Every time I pass one,” he said, “I genuflect and say, ‘Thank you for the house, my kids’ education and the fact that we don’t have to eat cheese grits anymore.’

From Washington Post May 26, 2021

“Instead, the faithful are requested to genuflect or make a profound bow as they venerate the cross,” said Archbishop Romulo Valles, who heads the bishops’ conference.

From Seattle Times Feb. 26, 2020

If I do it just right, the crowd gasps aloud — they genuflect, weep, stretch their hands out, and touch.

From "Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village" by Laura Amy Schlitz

Mapplethorpe genuflects at the altar of that icon with a platinum portrait of Warhol, backed by a halo of light and surrounded by silk panels that form a cross.

From The Wall Street Journal Nov. 21, 2025

Without anything divine to revere, American home and landscape design largely genuflects at the altar of the market.

From Salon Aug. 23, 2025

The woman who holds the head genuflects with her soaking parcel.

From The Guardian Feb. 22, 2020

But “The Andromeda Evolution” genuflects appropriately to the 1969 novel that instantly infected pop culture.

From Washington Post Nov. 11, 2019

During the Mass the priest frequently makes the Sign of the Cross, genuflects or bends the knee before the altar, strikes his breast, etc.

From Baltimore Catechism, No. 4 An Explanation of the Baltimore Catechism of Christian Doctrine by Thomas L. Kinkead

He hired people because they genuflected to him, not because they had any expertise.

From Salon Mar. 29, 2023

Former White House press secretary Dee Dee Myers genuflected: “I bow at your feet.”

From Washington Post Aug. 26, 2022

“Everybody sort of genuflected to Hazel because she was this little dynamo,” said David Peterson, a former Liberal premier of Ontario between 1985 and 1990.

From Seattle Times Mar. 11, 2022

As he is wont to do, Bill Shaikin once again genuflected at the Dodger altar and — cue the harp music — sang the praises of Chase Utley.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 23, 2018

Metaphorically, however, he genuflected to the land of the Vikings.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

The clip in question sees Deen sitting in the “Today Show” studio, practically genuflecting to the camera after being grilled for 15 straight minutes on live television.

From Salon Sep. 7, 2025

For all of underground music’s genuflecting to progressive values, Zulu asks for a lot of self-reflection from its audience.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 12, 2023

Over decades of presidential campaigns, the Iowa way has been to hop from town to town, taking questions from all comers and genuflecting to the local culinary traditions.

From New York Times Aug. 10, 2023

The figures, dubbed the “kneeling attendants” by curators, crouch as if genuflecting.

From Seattle Times Oct. 5, 2021

“Sorrento has tried everything but genuflecting, doing a little dance, and sticking his pinky finger in the keyhole.”

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline




Vocabulary lists containing genuflect


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