MONKISH Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

monkish

adjective

Definition of monkish

as in ascetic

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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 monkish And also there is something a little bit, the word that comes to mind is almost monkish. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026 Integral, too, to Dayal’s mythology was his monkish existence. — Literary Hub, 29 Oct. 2025 The festival would know that better than most, juxtaposing classical music—and its expectation of monkish silence—with the heart of Chicago’s downtown, and the human mix therein. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025 Obama has retreated into monkish silence, broken only for special occasions such as celebrity deaths and the recording of Bruce Springsteen podcasts. — Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 17 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for monkish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for monkish

Adjective

And there were posters tearing apart his otherworldly self-projection as a fakir, or ascetic, depicting him in his monogrammed suits, designer sunglasses, and aircraft.

— Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026
Then, over the following years, came sustainability and strict reuse and ascetic renunciation, and today, finally, its photo series and articles advocated for a mild, slightly quirky anticapitalist metaphysics.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026

Definition of ascetic

Adjective

When the Dark Ages descended on the ancient world, Benedict of Nursia ignited a monastic revival that would establish thousands of monasteries and train generations of devoted readers.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
Masonry fireplaces anchor the principal living spaces with an almost monastic solidity.

— Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of monastic

Adjective

But for now, the heady, political, Lindelofian stuff never quite melts together with the small-town detective stuff, which is too inherently austere to accommodate the co-creator's maximalist sensibility.

— Judy Berman, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
The cabin is rather simple and austere, with a large digital instrument cluster that spans half the dashboard, and a very small central panel between the front seats for climate and media.

— Adam Ismail, The Drive, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of austere

Adjective

As Bukele gained popularity, there were internal discussions on how best to signal the Administration’s concerns about his increasingly authoritarian actions.

— Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026
The island’s very existence—a prosperous, democratic Chinese society integrated with the West—offers a stinging rebuke to the claim that authoritarian rule is uniquely suited to the Chinese people.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of authoritarian

Adjective

YouTube was the holdout, and its stricter definition was one reason a YouTube view carried a premium in creator pricing conversations.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
However, there are strict limits on how long most negative information can be reported.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of strict

Adjective

Raudel’s mother, Vivian Texidor, couldn’t bring herself to show the photo of her son with his stern expression.

— Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026
All of Disney’s cruise ships feature unique Disney characters on their stern, bow and atrium, who embody the spirit of the ship.

— Eve Chen, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of stern

Browse Nearby Words

monkhoods

monkish

monks

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“Monkish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monkish. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of monkish

adjective

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