PURE Synonyms: 227 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'pure' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of pure are chaste , decent , and modest . While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions. // the pure of heart

Q: In what contexts can 'chaste' take the place of 'pure'?

Although the words chaste and pure have much in common, 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

Q: How are the words 'modest' and 'decent' related as synonyms of 'pure'?

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

pure

adjective

ˈpyu̇r

Definition of pure

as in plain

free from added matter There is a big difference between pure maple syrup and pancake syrup made with other ingredients. the solution must be kept pure for the experiment to work

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as in immaculate

free from any trace of the coarse or indecent the humor in the movie is as pure and wholesome as any parent could wish

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as in innocent

free from sin in one beatitude those who are pure in heart are promised the sight of God

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as in sheer

having no exceptions or restrictions that story is pure nonsense

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How is the word pure distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of pure are chaste, decent, and modest. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

In what contexts can chaste take the place of pure?

Although the words chaste and pure have much in common, 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 pure?

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

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 pure But what if the answer isn’t measured in pure dollars and cents? — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026 The musical is improvised based on your suggestions, creating hilarious lyrics, melodies and pure entertainment. — Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 20 July 2026 The broader enthusiasm for pure-play EVs has cooled significantly over the past two years, but competitive pressure in key segments remains fierce. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 20 July 2026 Some travel days call for pure comfort, and this is where these sweatpant joggers come in. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure

Adjective

However, this applies strictly to plain coffee, not sugary, high-calorie specialty drinks or concentrated caffeine products.

— Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
In addition to believing, plain and simple, that Shamea crossed the line with her Miss Diane tea, the newbies also seem frustrated by how much the feud is interfering with the group dynamic and the show’s levity.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Definition of plain

Adjective

This finish is an example of his two-footedness, enabling him to play across the forward line, and the immaculate timing of his runs.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Throughout the day, the vibes were laid-back and (even with the heat and rain) pretty immaculate.

— Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 5 July 2026

Definition of immaculate

Adjective

Instead, Judith completes the task on her own terms, terrorizing Sam and innocent skiers in her wake.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026
The investigator, Dan Myers, met with Clapper and came away with the impression that Clapper believed Broadwater was innocent of the crime and Weakfall was guilty.

— ProPublica, ProPublica, 14 July 2026

Definition of innocent

Adjective

The aspiring model was blooming in florals in the sculptural look, which featured a strapless bubble top paired with a sheer floor-length skirt, both of which were embroidered with purple and blue floral designs.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 18 July 2026
Yet, in the last two years, this sentiment of sheer doom has slowly and steadily begun to give way to a tentative yet very much present hope.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 18 July 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Many who watched that win with unadulterated joy on NBC that Sunday suddenly felt like they may be getting used during the network broadcast of the SOTU on Tuesday.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026
All of these solutions are unevenly distributed, and the effects of unadulterated heat are concentrated on the country’s poor.

— Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026

Definition of unadulterated

Adjective

The move came after Black Democrats aligned with white Republican legislators to convince a federal court to create three congressional districts to elect the state’s first Black member of Congress since 1876.

— Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
It’s topped with Gruyère and finished with a blend of black, white and Szechuan peppercorns along with Indonesian long pepper and grains of paradise.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of white

Adjective

Crocker, who survived the 1983 bombing of the US embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, said that at this point an unconditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz to all maritime traffic should be the objective.

— Monica Haider, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Ramp, the corporate card and expense management company backed by Iconiq and valued at $44 billion, is now Senra’s largest advertiser and, by CEO Glyman’s own description, an unconditional backer.

— Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 5 July 2026

Definition of unconditional

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“Pure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pure. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of pure

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