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 The rooms There are 51 rooms and suites, including signature suites, all of which offer pure ease on the eyes. Maddalena Fossati, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026 The latest on Tatum The decision to trade Simons, who was one of Boston’s best pure scorers, raised questions about whether Jayson Tatum’s return from Achilles surgery was imminent. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026 The pure electric version delivers a maximum range of 250 km (155 miles). Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026 In comparison, the snow that falls later will be purer. Kate Perez, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure
Adjective
  • Instead of sugary or diet beverages, use a squeeze of citrus or even a splash of juice to flavor plain sparkling water.
    Michael I Goran, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
  • In a plain convention center, the chaos moved along as if choreographed, a parade in which everyone marched.
    Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Its endless flow recycles a crystalline and immaculate sheet of waste.
    Theo Belci, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026
  • There are scenic halls, pagodas and pavilions; gardens of immaculate topiary; and tranquil water features, including ponds with koi carp.
    Vicky Smith, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Chris Harrison sparked controversy Wednesday for a seemingly innocent request posted on social media.
    Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The modern Western culture around nudity really teaches you shame about something that is so human and natural and innocent.
    Nicola Dall'Asen, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The sheer pervasiveness of lopsided household labor suggests that this problem cannot be explained by a few individual bad actors.
    Jelena Kecmanovic, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
  • But most of all, there was sheer, unadulterated delight.
    Flora Stubbs, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • To what degree are documentary filmmakers tempted to fiddle with reality while ostensibly presenting a clear and unadulterated image of it?
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026
  • These Olympians hunger for unadulterated comfort.
    Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The best time to prune chaste tree is in late winter.
    Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Dec. 2025
  • Chihiro and Hiruhiko were engaging in the sort of passionate but chaste dude-bro melodrama that takes place only in shōnen manga.
    Matt Alt, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Fans will be part of an interactive experience before kickoff, where the America250 logo will appear in the stands, which will be filled in red, white and blue thanks to panels given to each fan in attendance, making for a picture-perfect patriotic scene that all will see on television.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • How to play Mega Millions Player can pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers — five different numbers from 1 to 70 (the white balls) and one number from 1 to 24 (the gold Mega Mall).
    Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Manchester United represents unconditional devotion, great joy and deep mourning.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
  • He was sentenced to an unconditional discharge, leaving his conviction intact but sparing him any punishment.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pure. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on pure

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