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
  • In whatever this biennial is conveying about our collective crisis in spirituality, is the art an instrument or merely a symptom?
    — Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The sprawling saga introduces many of the foundational tenets of Hindu spirituality and the storytelling principles that continue to inform all of Bollywood cinema.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of spirituality
Noun
  • Her wardrobe, like Irulan’s, draws on the monasticism of the Bene Gesserit.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
  • 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
  • But your compassion, your kind heart, and your holiness are what really elevate you in my eyes.
    — Scott Detrow, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of holiness
Noun
  • When morality is consistently applied to food, a person’s relationship to food can become complicated.
    — Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Sir Patrick Stewart's most famous characters tackled concepts such as honor, morality and courage.
    — Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong, NPR, 29 Oct. 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
  • Karen Zacarías’ comedy about a book club that becomes the subject of a documentary, upending the sanctity and organization of the group, was first staged in 2008.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026
  • One aspect of college football that has seemingly stood the test of time is the sanctity of the rivalry game (for the most part, anyway).
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of sanctity
Noun
  • And the Joe’s devotion to its customers won’t wane, Sawitz said, adding that the restaurant will never turn away anybody who shows up at the back door desperate for something to eat, a longtime unwritten rule.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Some of Lakshmana’s actions complicate an idealized portrayal of his devotion.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 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 6 Nov. 2026.

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