as in fanatics
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
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Recent Examples of purists
For purists, that will be the biggest downside to the RS5 going PHEV, and a challenge for Audi engineers, who will need to build a car with the driving dynamics of a sports car in a package that will likely weigh over two tons.
—
Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026
The DJs and producers are not purists overall.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2026
What with its Charli xcx soundtrack and historically inaccurate latex costumes, Emily Brontë purists may opt to swerve a Valentine’s weekend viewing slot.
—Olivia Allen, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
According to Arkin, this is especially important for coffee purists.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Jan. 2026
The senatorial careers of these two statesmen illustrate — and clarify — the distinct contributions of intellectuals, purists and thought leaders on one hand and pragmatists, consensus builders and dealmakers on the other.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
The fabrics preserve the authenticity, texture, and depth that denim purists value, while being reengineered for modern wearability.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 Jan. 2026
The steamy trailer, featuring a soundtrack by Charli xcx, has swooning fans and literature purists polarized.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026
Hiking purists must endure around 300 miles of road walks, but Greg chose to chart his own course.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026
The DJs and producers are not purists overall.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2026
What with its Charli xcx soundtrack and historically inaccurate latex costumes, Emily Brontë purists may opt to swerve a Valentine’s weekend viewing slot.
—Olivia Allen, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026
According to Arkin, this is especially important for coffee purists.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Jan. 2026
The senatorial careers of these two statesmen illustrate — and clarify — the distinct contributions of intellectuals, purists and thought leaders on one hand and pragmatists, consensus builders and dealmakers on the other.
—John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
The fabrics preserve the authenticity, texture, and depth that denim purists value, while being reengineered for modern wearability.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 26 Jan. 2026
The steamy trailer, featuring a soundtrack by Charli xcx, has swooning fans and literature purists polarized.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026
Hiking purists must endure around 300 miles of road walks, but Greg chose to chart his own course.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purists
Noun
-
Gyllenhaal already knows this will piss off some traditional literary fanatics, as will other changes in her fantasy reimagining of the beloved monster tale.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Feb. 2026
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Sauna fanatics and newbies are spending time in saunas at local parks, on Great Lakes shorelines and by rivers, in parking lots and neighbors' backyards.—
Bridget Fogarty,
jsonline.com,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The rise of unabashed Christian nationalists is their legacy.—
Hillary Rodham Clinton,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
-
And also to warn about bloodshed if civil war follows regime change, bloodshed between nationalists and those who’ve had enough of being tied to a constantly unstable country.—
Melik Kaylan,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purists. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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