puritans

Definition of puritansnext
plural of puritan
as in moralists
a person who is greatly concerned with seemly behavior and morality especially regarding sexual matters some of the town's puritans still maintain that sex education has no place in the schools

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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 puritans However, rather than blithely dismiss the consequences of legalization with eye-rolling contempt for the puritans, supporters should confront the adverse societal effects of cannabis — the pervasive urban stench, the traffic deaths and the pernicious effects on youth. Cory Franklin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puritans
Noun
  • When literature was considered transgressive, moralists couldn’t get people to stop buying and reading dangerous books.
    Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • In fact, the prudes among us might need hand fans.
    Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Puritans.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puritans. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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