as in puritans
a person who is greatly concerned with seemly behavior and morality especially regarding sexual matters
a smattering of moralists around the country tried to get the songs banned from the radio
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Recent Examples of moralists
When literature was considered transgressive, moralists couldn’t get people to stop buying and reading dangerous books.
—
Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moralists
puritans
Noun
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However, rather than blithely dismiss the consequences of legalization with eye-rolling contempt for the puritans, supporters should confront the adverse societal effects of cannabis — the pervasive urban stench, the traffic deaths and the pernicious effects on youth.—
Cory Franklin,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Moralists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moralists. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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