purity

noun

pu·​ri·​ty ˈpyu̇r-ə-tē How to pronounce purity (audio)
Synonyms of puritynext
1
: the quality or state of being pure
2

Examples of purity in a Sentence

struggling to live a life of purity while surrounded by wickedness
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The middle—still the most dominant force in American politics—isn’t looking for the purity that the fringes demand on TikTok. Will Johnson, Time, 1 Jan. 2026 In its transcendence and purity, Pereira’s museum implied an indifference to the social concerns that had, for instance, informed Bo Bardi’s creation of MASP. Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 This combination results in a level of purity and order that is impossible to achieve on Earth, making the chips significantly more efficient. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Dec. 2025 Supplements are not regulated as strictly as medications, which means quality, purity, and labeling can vary widely. Sara Braun, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for purity

Word History

Etymology

Middle English purete, from Anglo-French purité, from Late Latin puritat-, puritas, from Latin purus pure

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of purity was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purity. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

purity

noun
pu·​ri·​ty ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce purity (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being pure : freedom from impurities
2
: freedom from guilt or sin

Medical Definition

purity

noun
pu·​ri·​ty ˈpyu̇r-ət-ē How to pronounce purity (audio)
: the quality or state of being pure

More from Merriam-Webster on purity

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