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 Her studio is slowly filling up with canvases of pure radiant color contrasted with big open areas of bright white. — Barbara Rose, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026 There are all sorts of sides to Venus, a lot of shady characters complicating things, and in pure Bogie-Bacall fashion Ray gets to sort them all out while dealing with this colorful group. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026 Hobbyists undoubtedly recognize certain cards' escalating values, but nostalgia, camaraderie and the pure fun of collecting are the prime motivators. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026 It’s based on the same 400 series platform as the Speed 400, Scrambler 400, Tracker 400, and Thruxton 400, which has proven so successful for the bikemaker in pure sales numbers. — New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure
Adjective
  • Next steps could include reducing the computational workload and connecting SANDO to machine-learning systems that accept plain-language instructions.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Adéla also wore a pair of lace-up black boots with spiked heels during a few performances, plainer than the eye-catching hot pink boots but nevertheless stylish.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Just a few small steps from the off-road parking lot led to a tiny teal door—the color a reflection of the island's immaculate waters.
    — Callie Thorpe, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • His homemaker mother Leonor (a superb Maude Sandham) and his 17-year-old sister Ilse (Karoline Watson) complete the immaculate family portrait, but there’s unrest there too.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • More than 150 innocent civilians were also killed in those strikes, according to a report released by the Pentagon this August.
    — Frank Andrews, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In England, poet William Cowper portrayed Mai as an innocent corrupted by European society.
    — Saar Shahar, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The sheer math of persuading a majority of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the president to approve a bill is difficult enough.
    — Scott Warren, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Vaccarello, whose spring 2027 show marked his 10th anniversary at Saint Laurent, has become a celebrity favorite thanks to his ability to telegraph power and sexuality through sheer, slinky gowns and sharp-shouldered suits with equal measure.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Few social situations encourage or even allow unadulterated loopiness.
    — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026
  • 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
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
  • The capsule includes a white satin headband topped with a black velvet bow, offering an easy entry point into Nouri’s signature motif.
    — Madison Collins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The 42 intricate episodes lining the walls of the Guggenheim’s rotunda follow the iconic winding path of the museum’s white spiral — a path not unlike the circuitous course of a life or a nation’s history.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In 2024, Michigan State launched Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional prenatal and infant cash program.
    — Mona Hanna, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Once a seller has an unconditional right to receive the proceeds, many planning opportunities may no longer be available.
    — D. Scott Kenik, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pure. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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