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 Treating immigration as a pure threat to be eliminated rather than as a resource to be managed is a huge mistake. —

Andrew Tisch, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 To help it along, Parliament passed a law in 1745 to separate pure speculation from legitimate insurance operations. —

Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 28 May 2026 When putting on anything other than pajamas seems like pure torture, this T-shirt dress comes to the rescue. —

Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 May 2026 As its name suggests, the Crossover Solo is aimed at solo camping, a form of pure escape and reset that seems to be a rising trend in RV and tent design this year. —

C.c. Weiss may 28, New Atlas, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure

Adjective

In today’s fascination with affordable, tiny houses, the legacy of traditional American architecture is in plain sight.

— Time, Time, 2 June 2026
This one, though, is as plain as the sunshine on a warm Texas day.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026