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
  • Kember, who grew up in a Catholic household, and Pierce, the son of a proselytizer, were fascinated by spirituality.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The profusion of tarot, crystals, astrology, talismans, and other permutations of spirituality has all drifted mainstream in recent years.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Oct. 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
  • 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
  • The biggest threat to your car was once a coat hanger combined with a questionable sense of morality.
    — Mike McRae October 20, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The ripeness of the material was, for him, in its depiction of morality.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 21 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
  • This is not an argument of fatalism, rather an homage to the sanctity of memory.
    — Kamau Bobb October 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
  • As far as these online habits show, the sanctity of Sundays off may be vanishing as an always-on work culture takes over.
    — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of sanctity
Noun
  • Has he been hoodwinked by the performance of devotion between Holmes and Evans?
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Turturro admires Harry’s old-school pride in his craft, but the character’s devotion to his ailing wife struck a deeper chord.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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