as in fanatic
a person who has very strong ideas about what is correct or acceptable and who usually opposes changes to traditional methods and practices
a new style of play that offended the sport's purists a language purist who is always looking to correct the speech of others
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 purist
The first Boxster was little loved by Porsche purists at the time, but the mid-engine roadster—which helped keep the company afloat during dire times—was in actuality a delight to drive.
—
Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
Along a quiet strip in Kurashiki, Japan, known as Kojima Jeans Street, denim purists from around the world make their pilgrimage.
—Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
The purist in question was Margaret Mutch, a longtime copy editor and proofreader.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Despite her pedigree, Büchi is anything but a purist.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for purist
Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
Along a quiet strip in Kurashiki, Japan, known as Kojima Jeans Street, denim purists from around the world make their pilgrimage.
—Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
The purist in question was Margaret Mutch, a longtime copy editor and proofreader.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Despite her pedigree, Büchi is anything but a purist.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for purist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purist
Noun
-
Asberry met his writing coach and fellow baseball fanatic, Anthony Joiner, in a summer literacy program for young people two years ago.—
Monique John,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Avid collectors, watchers of runways, and vintage fanatics, listen up.—
Rosie Jarman,
Vogue,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Wilson, its most prominent leader, identifies as a Christian nationalist and preached at the Pentagon in February at Hegseth’s invitation.—
Tiffany Stanley,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Prosecutors, police and FBI officials say Balat and Kayumi, who lived in Philadelphia’s suburbs, drove to New York City on Saturday and joined a throng of counter protesters at a small, anti-Muslim rally organized by the far-right Christian nationalist Jake Lang.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purist. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
