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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Whether the Sharks limp backward to the finish line, force their way into the tournament on pure adrenaline, or maybe even steal a game or two from the Colorado Avalanche in the first round, the true goal for this season is already safely achieved. —

Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026 That latter figure is the biggest by a group in over a decade, Billboard reported — the most pure album sales by a group since One Direction’s Midnight Memories dropped in 2013. —

Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026 As such, the system that initially emerged in 1979 was neither a pure theocracy nor a conventional republic. —

Roxane Razavi, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026 Despite his size, Barkey can play center as well as wing and wins his fair share of battles through his skating, motor and pure determination. —

Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure

Adjective

These stories make plain the bodily harm that crew members have routinely risked, and how these workers—whose enthusiasm for their work and for cinema itself is palpable—consider a profession whose hazards are not only physical but also psychological, professional, and familial.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Here is the idea in plain terms.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026