asceticism

noun

Definition of asceticismnext
1
as in spirituality

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2
as in monasticism

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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 asceticism Frayne writes that some second- and third-century sects, such as the Encratites, Priscilliantists, and Manicheans, advocated against meat eating, typically as part of a broader asceticism that might also include celibacy. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 4 Aug. 2025 Role models for digital moderation, much less asceticism, are in short supply. — Jack Butler, National Review, 11 May 2025 Upon his election, Bergoglio took the name Francis after Saint Francis of Assisi, who was known for his asceticism and ministry to the poor. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Apr. 2025 The bout of asceticism didn’t deter her from finishing a quarter of the album, however. — Arimeta Diop, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for asceticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for asceticism
  1. spirituality
  2. monasticism
  3. religiousness
  4. holiness
  5. morality
  6. saintliness
  7. sanctity
  8. devotion
Noun
  • Researchers said participants wanted content creators, influencers and television and film producers to offer more nuanced and authentic portrayals of religion and spirituality.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Tinos is also an island where spirituality abounds, with more than 1,000 churches and chapels, including the famed Church of Panagia Evangelistria, an important pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of spirituality
Noun
  • Egyptian officials also unveiled the discovery of an ancient monastery dating back to the dawn of Christian monasticism.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of monasticism
Noun
  • There's a sort of a natural world religiousness or spirituality or philosophy that swells around a lot of things and different characters.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Key measures of religiousness have remained remarkably stable since 2020, according to recent Pew Research Center polling.
    — Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Definition of religiousness
Noun
  • Soul is a synonym for God, or Spirit, and expresses the vast and eternal beauty of holiness, reflected in man and the universe.
    — Dilshad Khambatta Eames, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The saints’ books, rich vestments and formal poses were visible signs of holiness, symbolizing their learning, discipline and eloquence.
    — Denva Gallant, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Definition of holiness
Noun
  • The postliberals want to enforce a Catholic conception of the common good and morality.
    — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The Brothers Karamazov unfurls drama, philosophy, and morality against a vision of 19th-century Russia.
    — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of morality
Noun
  • In the years following Wallace’s death, this aura of saintliness likely derived from the combination of his moral seriousness as a fiction writer—his attunement to the heroism of private suffering and emotional endurance—and the fact of his premature end.
    — Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Definition of saintliness
Noun
  • There might be no better time to assert the sanctity of life.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In the grander scheme of NBA lore, preserving the sanctity of rivalry.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of sanctity
Noun
  • This is one of the BEST ways to recreate the communal devotion that the Premier League inspires.
    — Matt Piper, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • His devotion changed when his father, Henry, introduced him to parlay cards – the pencil and paper betting sheets where picking multiple winners meant a nice little payout.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of devotion

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Cite this Entry

“Asceticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asceticism. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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