1
2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pure distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of pure are chaste, decent, and modest. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

In what contexts can chaste take the place of pure?

Although the words chaste and pure have much in common, chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows.

they maintained chaste relations

How are the words modest and decent related as synonyms of pure?

Both modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity.

preferred more modest swimsuits
decent people didn't go to such movies

Examples of pure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The satiety can be felt through the camera, its satisfaction with luxuriating in something so pure, so clean. Harmony Holiday, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024 The point about reducing the logistical tail appeared to be aimed specifically at the potential drawbacks of the pure EV approach, while also acknowledging potential fuel use reductions. Jim Vinoski, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 Many companies state that their products are 99% pure, but an independent investigation of three companies’ products from August 2023 to March 2024 found that the purity of the products were far less than promised. C. Michael White, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2024 White’s latest pop-up gig — one of two small LA shows the guitar god played this week — was over an hour and a half of pure raucous energy from a remarkably confident showman. Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pure 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near pure

Cite this Entry

“Pure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pure. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!