asceticism

Definition of asceticismnext

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
Noun
  • Today’s social climate is likely the reason for Gen Z’s rise in spirituality.
    Devika Rao, TheWeek, 23 July 2026
  • These vessels, assembled from thousands of components, embody themes of transformation and spirituality, drawing inspiration from sacred oils.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
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
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
Noun
  • 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
  • Others limit prayer to God alone and emphasize remembering saints primarily as historical models of holiness.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Yes, these stories have monsters in them, heroic adventures, and black-and-white morality tales.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
  • But there’s a difference between narrating crime scenes at a remove and wrestling with the lingering morality of it all.
    Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
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
Noun
  • In addition to decades of performing his own impossible feats for the sake and sanctity of cinema, Cruise has lately taken to showing off his daredevil talents at sporting events worldwide.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 19 July 2026
  • Those odors coming from the warehouse fire in Boyle Heights aren’t the odors of sanctity.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Noun
  • But Cricket resists this vision, preferring a more solitary idea of artistic devotion, and the story’s sympathies lean in his direction.
    Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
  • But The Odyssey is the first time his devotion to the literal Real has been wielded so effectively.
    Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Asceticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asceticism. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on asceticism

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster