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 next

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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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 The Manchester City striker is just a pure goal machine. —

Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 June 2026 The listing, alongside OpenAI’s eventual move towards an IPO, will test appetite for pure-play frontier AI companies — a class of businesses that have up until now avoided the cold light of the public markets. —

Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 5 June 2026 What results is pure agony for both the family and the viewers. —

James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026 Courtside fans, unable to contain themselves, stormed the hardwood to take selfies with the stars in pure playoff ecstasy. —

Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure

Adjective

Whenever your outfit feels a little plain, these goodies will inject some welcome personality—all without blowing a hole in your budget.

— Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 June 2026
The mezzanine’s railing alternates plain bronze spindles with miniature art deco skyscrapers.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026