virginal

adjective

ˈvər-jə-nᵊl How to pronounce virginal (audio)
Definition of virginalnext
1
as in pristine
being in an original and unused or unspoiled state one of the state's few remaining tracts of virginal prairie

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unmarried
never having had sexual relations a virginal girl who would not permit any liberties to be taken with her body

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in pure
free from any trace of the coarse or indecent the romance between the young boy and girl is portrayed with virginal innocence that is touching in this day and age

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 virginal Brides were expected, in most cultures at various points in history, to be virginal, pure and dedicated to their husbands. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 May 2026 Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel is a slow read with an out-of-time atmosphere, really one of the most virginal and repressed romance stories of all time. — Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026 Our idols were allowed to either be good girls—militantly wholesome and seemingly virginal—or train wrecks, unmoored and wild, and thus subjected to a litany of bullying and ridicule for their actions. — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2026 Someone with the virginal purity of a political outsider and the intrinsic capability of an insider who’s spent decades cutting deals and keeping the government wheels spinning. — Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for virginal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virginal
  1. pristine
  2. unmarried
  3. pure
  4. fresh
  5. virgin
  6. immaculate
  7. maiden
  8. chaste
Adjective
  • We were issued metal water bottles for bringing ashore, and followed strict instructions on not bringing any food off the ship, and disinfecting our boots before and after stepping ashore to keep Antarctica pristine.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
  • One of Teghaza’s minerals had been altered on the inside while its outer part stayed pristine, the reverse of how weathering on Earth works.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of pristine
Adjective
  • Rama informs her of his marital status and playfully directs her to Lakshmana, presenting him as unmarried.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Graham was originally appointed to fill her unmarried brother’s seat as a placeholder after his sudden death last summer.
    — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of unmarried
Adjective
  • However, removing these roses frees up space, reduces fungal disease and makes room for vigorous varieties that bring pure joy.
    — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But with Anthropic poised to become the first pure-play AI company to hit the public market, minting a number of new billionaires and many more millionaires in the process, a heightened level of scrutiny is coming.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of pure
Adjective
  • Another good bet for fresh turkey is Mary’s Land Farm, at 4797 Sheppard Lane.
    — Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Slate and Ford both believe the time is right for a no-frills compact electric pickup, but even these trucks rely on fresh engineering and are aimed at retail as well as fleet buyers.
    — Stephen Edelstein, The Drive, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of fresh
Adjective
  • Powered by ultra-purified virgin olive oil made in Italy, these products are free from parabens and sulfates and are great for all skin types.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Legendary Christian saint and virgin martyr who is venerated as the patron saint of breast cancer patients and of various localities in Italy and elsewhere.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of virgin
Adjective
  • Service is immaculate in that distinctly Japanese way—anticipatory, respectful, never overbearing—and there’s an elegance to the hospitality here that feels deeply ingrained rather than trained.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The glow of many Turners has dwindled, thanks to unstable pigments, but here is an immaculate exception.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of immaculate
Adjective
  • Its maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York City that began on April 10, 1912, made headlines across the globe, according to Britannica.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The historic ocean liner made its maiden voyage in 1952 and broke the transatlantic speed record by crossing from New York to Europe in just three days.
    — CBS Philadelphia, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of maiden
Adjective
  • Then there was the rather chaste kiss on Evans’s show late last year.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2026
  • Deadhead your chaste tree in late winter to promote flowering in the spring and summer months.
    — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
Definition of chaste

Browse Nearby Words

virgin
virginal
virginity
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Cite this Entry

“Virginal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virginal. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on virginal

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about virginal

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