purist

noun

pur·​ist ˈpyu̇r-ist How to pronounce purist (audio)
Synonyms of puristnext
: a person who adheres strictly and often excessively to a tradition
especially : one preoccupied with the purity of a language and its protection from the use of foreign or altered forms
puristic adjective
puristically adverb

Examples of purist in a Sentence

a purist who only drinks European wines
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.
Chili purists say there’s no place for beans in real chili, but since this recipe already bucks tradition by using turkey instead of ground beef, all bets are off. Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 2026 Wildcat Mountain, New Hampshire In northern New Hampshire, Wildcat Mountain’s diehard following swears by its exciting terrain, stunning views of Mount Washington and the great White Mountain National Forest, and intimate, no-frills feel that makes winter-sport purists feel right at home. Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026 To purists who fantasize about the fullest possible immersion in the original text, creative adaptation of this sort sounds like heresy. Eric Bulson, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026 Disney and Lucasfilm really went all out with this one, and Star Wars fanatics who aren’t strict purists won't find a better box set right now. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for purist

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of purist was in 1699

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Cite this Entry

“Purist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purist. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

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