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
Parisian purists say the move betrays the artistry and craftsmanship of France’s tradition of couture.
—
NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Language purists like to remind anyone who will listen that decimation actually means the slaughter of one in ten people, and was the military punishment wielded by the Roman army against deserters and mutineers.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Her current flavor catalog includes classic sourdough for the purists, blueberry-lemon for a bright twist, cinnamon swirl or cinnamon-raisin for cozy mornings, and even a colorful Funfetti version inspired by her friends’ kids.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
And though true skin-care purists might layer both in a 10-step routine, modern formulas like this one blur the lines—offering the best of both in one silky step.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2025
Nobel purists stress that the economics prize is technically not a Nobel Prize, but it is always presented together with the others on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel’s death in 1896.
—CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
Baseball’s automatic runner has brought new fans but also stirred anxiety among purists.
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2025
This is where our brand of technical analysis diverges from the purists who focus on price only.
—Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2025
Yet even when considering all the superyacht trappings, purists like Coles remain unconvinced.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025
NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Language purists like to remind anyone who will listen that decimation actually means the slaughter of one in ten people, and was the military punishment wielded by the Roman army against deserters and mutineers.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Her current flavor catalog includes classic sourdough for the purists, blueberry-lemon for a bright twist, cinnamon swirl or cinnamon-raisin for cozy mornings, and even a colorful Funfetti version inspired by her friends’ kids.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
And though true skin-care purists might layer both in a 10-step routine, modern formulas like this one blur the lines—offering the best of both in one silky step.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2025
Nobel purists stress that the economics prize is technically not a Nobel Prize, but it is always presented together with the others on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel’s death in 1896.
—CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
Baseball’s automatic runner has brought new fans but also stirred anxiety among purists.
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2025
This is where our brand of technical analysis diverges from the purists who focus on price only.
—Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2025
Yet even when considering all the superyacht trappings, purists like Coles remain unconvinced.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purists
Noun
-
Courier Journal contributing critic Marc Zakem opened his review of the show by noting how some of his friends turned into fanatics for Springsteen, willing to drive out to Cincinnati and Indianapolis to experience him live.—
Leo Bertucci,
Louisville Courier Journal,
24 Oct. 2025
-
There were painters, sewing fanatics, jewelry makers, paper artists, beaders, journal makers and more.—
Judy Bart Kancigor,
Oc Register,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The other sign was put up by a group of county business owners out of fear that these new residents will be far-right Christian nationalists set on gaining control of local government.—
David Peisner,
Rolling Stone,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Bloody Sunday became one of the defining moments of the Troubles, three decades of sectarian violence involving nationalists seeking a united Ireland, unionists wanting Northern Ireland to remain a province of the United Kingdom, and British forces.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Purists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purists. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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