Synonym Chooser

How is the word chaste distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of chaste are decent, modest, and pure. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows.

they maintained chaste relations

How are the words modest and decent related as synonyms of chaste?

Both modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity.

preferred more modest swimsuits
decent people didn't go to such movies

How do pure and chaste relate to one another?

Pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

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 chaste Traditionally, Hallmark’s have leaned a bit toward sweet and chaste, and by offering up something just a little bit different, Netflix has found its own niche within the genre. Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 Nana’s Hui-yeon adds another layer of complexity to the narrative as a widow who has vowed to remain chaste but begins to question her feelings after encountering Cho Won. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025 Nana, whose Korean name is Im Jina, plays the role of Hui-yeon, a widow who vows to remain chaste after losing her husband. Sara Merican, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025 Considering that the romance is so drastically different, and for good reason, having Snow White come to life via a chaste kiss feels almost too old-fashioned. Josh Spiegel, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chaste
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chaste
Adjective
  • The spacesuits used for spacewalks are filled with oxygen and the astronauts breathe in pure oxygen for several hours to get rid of nitrogen in their bodies.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Foster Carling House While Remick may be fumbling his Hollywood comeback, his home is pure architectural triumph.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, there’s the Ancient Agora and the stunningly pristine Temple of Hephaestus.
    JD Shadel, Them., 21 Apr. 2025
  • Pull up the dinghy to The Ranch Escapade, where pristine white sand invites visitors to while away the day with ice-cold drinks and simple, savory Caribbean fare.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In early April, for instance, she was spotted in an immaculate white suit with a double-breasted blazer, gold jewelry, a hint of cleavage, and sharply tailored dress pants.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The historic center, where the palace and government buildings lie between massive castles built by the Portuguese, hugs an immaculate harbor ringed by buildings that look like a set from a fantasy film.
    Chris Wallace, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Think about it: the record companies forced them to be clean cut and preppy and all those things.
    Gary Gerard Hamilton, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Feb. 2023
  • Flathead is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, with clean, crystalline waters cradled in the Flathead Valley by the Mission Mountains to the east and the Salish Mountains to the west.
    Deb Hopewell, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Consensus estimates point to modest nonfarm payroll growth of 130,000 in April and the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.2%.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The funeral will be less formal than other papal funerals, with Francis having made changes last year around the process, including the use of a modest wooden coffin.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The crux of the change for Tarantino is that the experience of theater is still unsullied, whereas with movies, people are on their phones and the theatrical window is teeny tiny.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Back in 2018, when Lasseter left the company, Docter moved up to Chief Creative Officer, as the Disney division tried to continue its unsullied record of major hits.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chaste.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chaste. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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