Definition of purenext
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Synonym Chooser

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 Monster is a pure-play energy drink company consisting of Monster Energy, Reign, Predator, Fury and a smaller alcohol segment of craft beers and hard seltzers. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 While prosecutors allege Davis’ tell-all memoir and interviews clearly implicate him, the defense insists Davis’ words were pure showmanship. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026 The vehicle also uses pure sine wave inverters to provide stable electricity for sensitive medical equipment. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 The silhouette of the flowy bottoms is pure coastal grandma, while the patterned top adds a touch of flair for a bolder personality. Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure
Adjective
  • When Arsenal lifted the Premier League trophy in May, Martinelli’s comments made his love for the club plain.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Diehl calls it one of the oldest tricks in styling, the pairing of something refined against something plain.
    Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Old money nails are immaculate manicures featuring classic and neutral colors.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The vibes for Mike McCarthy and Eli Heidenreich over the last few months have been immaculate.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Caught in the crossfire are innocent kids trying simply to stay in safety.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But on her path, Jean causes bodily and emotional harm to both Peter and numerous innocent bystanders by inhabiting their bodies and forcing them to do her bidding.
    Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Other governments, including the US, have their own rules and disclosure requirements, but beyond the breadth of the controls in China, the sheer number of people affected is striking – and reaches far beyond civil servants.
    Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Just look at the new stand — the sheer size of it shows the club’s ambition.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
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
Adjective
  • Then there was the rather chaste kiss on Evans’s show late last year.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2026
  • Deadhead your chaste tree in late winter to promote flowering in the spring and summer months.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • Another moment was marked by mourning, as a man was pulled from a building in the same city, lifeless and covered in a white blanket.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Meloni began appearing in more serious apparel in this new role, mostly dark suits with white shirts.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Hinckley launched a music career after being granted unconditional release in 2022, but found some concert venues weren’t receptive to hosting his performances.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In one room, Catherine is getting promises of unconditional love and affection from Alden, a man who would never harm her.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pure. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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