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 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 Louise tells tales of drunkenness, asceticism, death. Hervé Guibert, Harper's Magazine, 2 Nov. 2024 And, for a population just one generation removed from near-universal poverty, Western celebrations of India’s mystical asceticism hold little appeal. Peter Martin, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2015 See All Example Sentences for asceticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for asceticism
Noun
  • The big thing for me is religion and spirituality.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Humble but strong, philosophical but pragmatic, Kingsley's interpretation of the leader manages to balance both his spirituality and shrewdness, simultaneously demystifying an icon while also adding another layer to the legend.
    Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 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
  • Even adversaries in the Arab world have never sunk to attacking the holiness of the Western Wall.
    Steven Burg, Sun Sentinel, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Singh, who would be our local guide, always wore the five traits of a pious Sikh man — uncut hair (symbolizing strength and holiness and topped by the identifying turban), a steel bracelet, wooden comb, sheathed dagger and a baggy undergarment dating back to the Sikhs’ warrior days on horses.
    Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Policies were justified not with reference to morality or metaphysics but with citations of white papers.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • In the winter of 2022, crowds around the globe protested after the death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, taken into custody by Iran's morality police for how she was dressed.
    Laurie Perez, CBS News, 28 Mar. 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
  • Like with soccer, playing dirty only undermines the sanctity of the game.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Following the presentation of Martínez’s proposal, the Catholic Church echoed Pope Leo’s call to uphold the sanctity of life.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Friends with a sudden devotion to nature begin making plans to convene in parks; TurboTax becomes your closest email companion; your risk of injury at the hands of a lunatic on a City Bike, haunted by the memory of a New Year’s resolution to exercise, may increase.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
  • To the fans — your unwavering devotion and support are the reason this show remains such a force.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • At its core, this transit is a reminder that clarity is power and in Virgo’s world, cleanliness really is next to godliness.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Cowliness is next to godliness.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Asceticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asceticism. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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