as in puritanical
given to or marked by very conservative standards regarding personal behavior or morals
by the prudish standards of the 19th century, any depiction of the nude was scandalous
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Recent Examples of prudish
So much so, in fact, that there is now a common misconception that Wimbledon spectators must subscribe to the same all-white dress code–established in the prudish 1800s to mask sweat stains–that applies only to those playing on court.
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Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 12 July 2024
Jet did not feel the need to present a prudish image of Black people to counteract white stereotypes about their hypersexuality.
—Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 25 June 2024
For a long time, serious literary novels have held off on the question of how to handle menopause with the prudish disgust of a teenager.
—Constance Grady, Vox, 21 June 2024
Informed by the Hayes Code, Hollywood ‘50s genre was often prudish in its sexuality.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 21 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for prudish
Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 12 July 2024
Jet did not feel the need to present a prudish image of Black people to counteract white stereotypes about their hypersexuality.
—Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 25 June 2024
For a long time, serious literary novels have held off on the question of how to handle menopause with the prudish disgust of a teenager.
—Constance Grady, Vox, 21 June 2024
Informed by the Hayes Code, Hollywood ‘50s genre was often prudish in its sexuality.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 21 May 2024
See All Example Sentences for prudish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prudish
Adjective
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Wisconsinites are also distinguished by their puritanical work ethic.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
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First, the movement of women telling their stories of victimization online was dismissed by many as a toxic importation of puritanical American mores that were unnecessary in a culture of seduction and harmony between the sexes.—
Catherine Porter,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Historical Mystery Show: Step into a world of Victorian elegance and deadly secrets when DeBary Hall Historic Site partners with Gateway Center for the Arts to present a Historical Mystery Show.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 June 2025
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Gardenia Restaurant, located in the Victorian mansion downtown, now has outdoor dining under the trees and live music every Friday evening.—
Debby Rice,
Mercury News,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prudish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prudish. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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