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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 of pure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The lighting design was pure drama, streaming through the gigantic concrete beams of the building like it was being tapped straight from heaven. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024 Hempz makes a pumpkin spice body lotion that’s designed to add moisture to the skin, using 100% pure hemp seed oil. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 12 Sep. 2024 By examining each beach's RGB color values and determining its proximity to the purest shade of white (RGB = 255, 255, 255), CV Villas has curated a definitive list of the top 30 beaches with the whitest sands on Earth. Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 12 Sep. 2024 Whatever the thing may be, biking can be pure magic. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 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 29 Sep. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pure

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