puritanical

adjective

pu·​ri·​tan·​i·​cal ˌpyu̇r-ə-ˈta-ni-kəl How to pronounce puritanical (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characterized by a rigid morality
2
puritanically adverb

Examples of puritanical in a Sentence

some of the state laws concerning sexual behavior are vestiges of a more puritanical time and are rarely, if ever, enforced
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.
Ed’s mother was said to be a fanatically puritanical figure who isolated him from others, convinced the rest of society was evil. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 In a strange puritanical gesture, the kiss was cut. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 This is where generalized odor anxiety intersects with the aforementioned puritanical squeamishness. Franklin Schneider, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025 Shiite Iran feared the regional ascendance of Sunni radicalism in the form of the puritanical Taliban, an ambitious al-Qaeda, and other militant factions, as well as further instability on its eastern border—Iran was then, and remains now, home to many Afghan refugees. Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puritanical

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of puritanical was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Puritanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puritanical. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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