Definition of purenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word pure distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of pure are chaste, decent, and modest. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

In what contexts can chaste take the place of pure?

Although the words chaste and pure have much in common, 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

How are the words modest and decent related as synonyms of pure?

Both 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

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 pure Most car people would be challenged to count on the fingers of one hand the few British luxury car brands still extant (as distinct from pure sports cars like McLaren, Lotus, and Morgan). Robert Ross, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2026 Its very existence is a pure expression of that control. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026 For those who want to sort by pure performance value, The Athletic’s Levi Weaver ranked each show from worst to best. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026 Her panic at Hanks’ character beginning to flee the nest is pure comic genius. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure
Adjective
  • The demonization of Israel leads to physical attacks on Jews — plain and simple.
    Marc Schneier, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Unlike unsweetened or plain baking chocolate, bittersweet chocolate can contain flavors like vanilla and emulsifiers like soy lecithin.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • There are scenic halls, pagodas and pavilions; gardens of immaculate topiary; and tranquil water features, including ponds with koi carp.
    Vicky Smith, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Also, his vibes are immaculate.
    J.J. Bailey, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Mangione has pleaded innocent to federal and state murder charges; the state charges carry the possibility of life in prison.
    MICHAEL R. SISAK THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Several right-wing social media figures and conservative commentators have also shared the video and suggested that Pretti was not an innocent bystander, but rather someone who was deliberately seeking confrontation.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Every screening kicked off with a video tribute to him, and each replay drove home the sheer heroic improbability of what Redford had accomplished.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The sheer bulk of the suit might confuse the human eye from a distance, but in large open spaces, like snowfields, anything that looks a little odd will stand out.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • To what degree are documentary filmmakers tempted to fiddle with reality while ostensibly presenting a clear and unadulterated image of it?
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
  • These Olympians hunger for unadulterated comfort.
    Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The best time to prune chaste tree is in late winter.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 2025
  • Chihiro and Hiruhiko were engaging in the sort of passionate but chaste dude-bro melodrama that takes place only in shōnen manga.
    Matt Alt, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Below the 40th parallel in the Southern Ocean, there are sixty-knot winds and tempestuous seas, rainforests, mountains, white sand beaches and an ever-changing sky.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Rih dressed down the whimsy, in a white tee, jeans, and a fuzzyz white scarf.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Denmark plans tougher deportation laws COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- Denmark unveiled a legal reform on Friday allowing foreigners who have been sentenced to at least one year of unconditional imprisonment for serious crimes to be deported.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Resilience, unconditional love, and the quiet strength in simply being present.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pure. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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