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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 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 pure In October, the rover came across a field of brilliant white cantaloupe-size rocks, which the vehicle’s instruments confirmed as pure quartz, Farley said. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024 The foundation of Vanderpump Rules was built on pure honest raw emotions… triumphs, struggles, and love that happen between a group of real friends and our relationships. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 2 Dec. 2024 Instead, try to be bolder and stay open to confrontation—especially when it’s done with pure intent. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Dec. 2024 Its high concentration of 0.2% pure, slow-release retinol firms skin and smooths out fine lines without stinging or causing sensitivity. Sarah Han, Allure, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pure 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure
Adjective
  • These are all radical Islamic terrorist organizations, plain and simple.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Use plain language in your policies, and provide users with clear, easy-to-find controls for managing their preferences.
    Jodi Daniels, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The vibes are immaculate with sunken in outdoor booths overlooking Magic Kingdom and cozy heat lamps.
    Carly Caramanna, Parents, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Niki starts out in the ’50s with the artist wearing an immaculate white dress and a glistening tiara, striking delicate poses for a photographer that orders her around.
    Sarah Belmont, ARTnews.com, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • According to the Death Penalty Information Center, 11 innocent people have been freed from Oklahoma's death row and seven clemencies have been granted in the state.
    CBS News, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024
  • However, this innocent appearance doesn’t last long.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Working in this season's favor was the sheer unpredictability from week to week in terms of who was aligned with whom and what would happen at Tribal Council.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
  • There, along with accepting the Maverick Award, the actress wore a sheer gown with long sleeves and a high neck for the occasion.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Glioblastoma is pure, unadulterated evil that no person or family should go through.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2024
  • When unadulterated and committed purely to its core business, this is a fantastically stable and well-valued enterprise.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The film is a lot less magical: Mother hosts a rather chaste art show at a local gallery featuring paintings and sculptures of women and dogs.
    Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Gender policing is now a blood sport online, where women who seem to defy traditional expectations of staying hot, quiet, chaste, and weak are humiliated and attacked en masse.
    Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Adjective
  • More white people claim the credit than Black people certainly.
    Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2023
  • The only racial group that saw a decrease in suicide rates across age cohorts was non-Hispanic white people.
    Ellen Barry, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Smith continues, reflecting on the unconditional nature of this bond.
    Essence, Essence, 17 Dec. 2024
  • According to the survey, 91 percent of pet owners say their animals' unconditional love is especially comforting during the holiday season.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near pure

Cite this Entry

“Pure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pure. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pure

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