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 Hellbent on destroying the pure, chaste and overly self-righteous preacher who denied her satisfaction, Salome performs a seductive dance at her stepfather Herod’s birthday feast. E.r. Zarevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025 Ford is his usual tough-guy cop, but there’s a sensitivity, a wounded heart, to his character that comes out most powerfully in his chaste love affair with an Amish woman played by Kelly McGillis. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Feb. 2025 The medieval image of rape—as the act of a violent stranger upon a chaste victim who goes straight to the authorities—persisted undisturbed in American courts through the nineteen-sixties. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for chaste
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chaste
Adjective
  • Perhaps the truth, however, is that Emmanuel-Thomas, in pure sporting terms, has always been something of a puzzle.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • At the same time, demand for hybrids and plug-in hybrids is diverting sales away from pure EVs.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Walk into the reception of the Sports Technology Institute at Loughborough University and your eyes are drawn immediately to a pristine glass cabinet on the left.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 8 June 2025
  • His pristine basketball sneakers were oddly bright in a room that has since receded into shadow in my memory.
    Danielle Ofri, New Yorker, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • This immaculate financial status provides Lululemon with both strength during downturns and the ability to invest in further growth.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • His voice is immaculate, but his main influence is Chris Brown.
    EW.com, EW.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The clean, bright walls along with colorful rugs and hardwood floors can seem impossible for people living in apartments.
    Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2023
  • Instead, use a clean Q-tip to gently wipe away any excess spray.
    Leah Campano, Seventeen, 3 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • My social media agency started with modest goals that seemed sensible for a new entrepreneur.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • His tombstone was flat and modest; people had left bouquets and stones.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 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 13 Jun. 2025.

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