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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The cut luxuriates in the pure sound of the songs that make up its collage. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 What remained was pure, unambiguous data on true ion transport. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026 Mona has gone pure method for a woman who no doubt has never heard of Lee Strasberg and thinks that Stanislavsky is a vegetable in the produce department. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026 The pure domination from the Minutemen from start to finish in this one was a sight to behold. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure

Adjective

Customers who want waffles at No Knife will pay anywhere from $15 for a plain one to $45 for a waffle topped with collard greens, candied yams, and mac and cheese.

— Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026
The Democratic candidates won at the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, where a judges’ panel found that the FCC public notice contradicts the plain language of US law that limits the discount to individual candidates.

— Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of plain

Adjective

His carefully coiffed side parting is as immaculate as his smile, something that distinguishes him from the rest of his party, whose members tend to grimace rather than grin.

— Esme Nicholson, NPR, 6 Sep. 2026
That said, the surfaces are immaculate with Englert, serving as both co-director and cinematographer, moving through the Dostoevskys’ decline with astonishing care.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of immaculate

Adjective

Beyond its sheer size and resort-level amenities, the estate’s value lies in the kind of construction and materials that are difficult to replicate at today’s costs.

— David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
The baby pink style was made of a sheer, breezy pink fabric and featured crystallized spaghetti straps that gave way to frindgy crystalized trim that decorated the hem.

— Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Yes, violence and mistreatment of women should be called out and women and girls should be protected, but these decisions and statements are just pure, unadulterated corporate virtue signaling.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2026
But in the common vernacular of what neurosis means—someone whose life is put upon them, who feels weighted by the everyday, who struggles with unadulterated joy—that is me in a nutshell.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of unadulterated

Adjective

Between a school of banggai cardinalfish, a single juvenile emperor angelfish cut through, its deep blue scales segmented by white, vein-looking striations.

— John Donegan LONG BEACH POST, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026
In the end, the winners were predominantly white and the speeches were inarguably neutral.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of white

Adjective

Congressional leaders in both parties are pushing to lock in long-term, unconditional military commitments to Israel.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
The singer’s niece, Lainey Mae Parton, shared an emotional tribute after her grandmother’s burial, remembering the country legend as a source of unconditional love and support.

— Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of unconditional

Cite this Entry

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“Pure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pure. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pure

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