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 The complaints were frequently of a puritanical and/or phony high-brow bent. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2024 Salafism is an ultra-orthodox, puritanical strain of Islam followed by a minority of Muslims. Salma Abdelaziz, CNN, 15 Aug. 2024 But the music video—which depicts two men kissing and a transgender woman dressing—was a true act of radicalism in the face of America’s puritanical, conservative Bush years. Christopher Rosa, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2024 His policies are being driven not only by economic interests but by his effort to forge a puritanical, militarized society built on nationalism and Orthodox Christianity — locked in a civilizational conflict with the West. Natalia Abbakumova, Washington Post, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for puritanical 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'puritanical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of puritanical was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near puritanical

Cite this Entry

“Puritanical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puritanical. Accessed 14 Sep. 2024.

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