monkish

adjective

Definition of monkishnext
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 In an age of algorithmic din, Feldman’s appeal lies in his unhurried, monkish devotion to the elementals of sound. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 And also there is something a little bit, the word that comes to mind is almost monkish. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026 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
  1. ascetic
  2. monastic
  3. austere
  4. authoritarian
  5. strict
  6. stern
Adjective
  • Lakshmana’s final act of service occurs when Kala (time personified), disguised as an ascetic messenger, requests a private audience with Rama.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • But there is a certain ascetic simplicity to this labyrinthine heritage building that remains relatively unadorned.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of ascetic
Adjective
  • The cape is one of Irulan’s most sumptuous pieces, with an almost liquid surface that contrasts with more austere, monastic silhouettes.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Variations on this legend suggest that the monk had broken his monastic vows, that the creation of the book in a single night was a deal offered by the monastery’s abbot, and that the book was intended to glorify his monastery.
    — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of monastic
Adjective
  • Yet Lee shows that the iron sense of control with which Brookner approached her own legacy runs through her fiction, too, creating the austere elegance that characterizes her prose.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
  • His papacy marked one of the most austere periods in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of austere
Adjective
  • Much, if not most, of the distemper was aimed at the would-be authoritarian in the White House.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • People living under authoritarian governments can still exercise power and influence through relationships, knowledge, social networks, and persuasion.
    — Tanaz Eshaghian, Time, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of authoritarian
Adjective
  • There’s no doubt that there are wasteful contracts and bloated salaries to be cut, but not even the strictest economizing could absorb that much without serious danger to public health and safety.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Democrats made high power bills, clean energy and stricter scrutiny of data center contracts the focus on their races.
    — Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of strict
Adjective
  • He was known as an affable coach with great technical acumen, but also didn’t hesitate to show a more stern side of himself if the infielders weren’t performing up to the level they were expected to.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Two days after Democrats routed Republicans in the US midterm elections, the American Embassy in El Salvador posted a stern reminder on social media.
    — Merlín Delcid, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of stern

Browse Nearby Words

monkhoods
monkish
monks
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monkish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monkish. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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