pure

adjective

\ ˈpyu̇r

purer; purest

Definition of pure

1a(1) : unmixed with any other matter pure gold

(2) : free from dust, dirt, or taint pure spring water

(3) : spotless, stainless

b : free from harshness or roughness and being in tune —used of a musical tone

c of a vowel : characterized by no appreciable alteration of articulation during utterance

2a : being thus and no other : sheer, unmitigated pure folly

b(1) : abstract, theoretical pure research

(2) : a priori pure mechanics

c : not directed toward exposition of reality or solution of practical problems pure literature

d : being nonobjective and to be appraised on formal and technical qualities only pure form

3a(1) : free from what vitiates, weakens, or pollutes

(2) : containing nothing that does not properly belong

b : free from moral fault or guilt

c : marked by chastity : continent

d(1) : of pure blood and unmixed ancestry

(2) : homozygous in and breeding true for one or more characters

e : ritually clean

4 : having exactly the talents or skills needed for a particular role a pure shooter in basketball

Other Words from pure Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about pure

Keep scrolling for more

Choose the Right Synonym for pure

chaste, pure, modest, decent mean free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious. 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 pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions. the pure of heart 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

The company bottles only the purest water. the pure notes of the flute

Recent Examples on the Web

The latter, known for her acrylic beaded carryalls, now offers a delectable pretzel design—replacing any gluten guilt with pure fashion fun. — Diana Nguyen, Harper's BAZAAR, "You Can Only Buy These Handbags at Saks—And WE WANT THEM ALL," 8 Mar. 2019 Art is serious stuff, but when an artist -- or least an artist like me -- loses her sense of humor or her feeling for pure fun, something goes missing. — David Ritz, Billboard, "Janet Jackson Goes Deep on Her Early Challenges, Upcoming Music & the Joy of Motherhood," 17 May 2018 There’s something so pure and exciting about seeing a celebrity couple blossom, even if from afar. — Marilyn La Jeunesse, Teen Vogue, "Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra's Best Moments of 2018," 27 Dec. 2018 More than any other game this year, Tetris Effect feels like an escape, in the purest and most enjoyable sense of the word. — Nick Statt, The Verge, "Tetris Effect is perfect for people overwhelmed by modern video games," 18 Nov. 2018 At the end of one of these sessions, the ASMR Barber’s head looks pure and bright, untouchable, almost eternal, like a star. — Ashleigh Young, The Cut, "Ghost Knife," 2 July 2018 Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar and pure vanilla extract until smooth. — Taylor Murray, Country Living, "Tulip Cupcakes," 12 Feb. 2019 Well, the media seized on the story, spinning the stripper's credible accusation into a tale of white privilege, misogyny and just pure evil. — Fox News, "Ingraham: The rush to judgment and injustice for Kavanaugh," 18 Sep. 2018 Otherwise, your past may not be pure enough to satisfy people. — Jennifer Wright, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kamala Harris Is Already Being Called a Prostitute," 29 Jan. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.