as in pure
free from any trace of the coarse or indecent
a schoolteacher who dresses with almost vestal modesty while on the job
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Recent Examples of vestal
These vestal get-ups are, in fact, the latest in a long line of subversive pop culture interpretations of the lives (and loves) of nuns.
—
Leah Dolan, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
There were papal cloaks styled as trench coats, and vestal robes turned into coveralls, but with a solemn finish that showed respect for both the clothes and the creative congregation that wants to wear them.
—Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Sep. 2022
Souza sets out to reacquaint us with that vanished world, where norms obtained and men were men and words had meaning—where the sun rose on the shrines of our ancestors and six virgins ceaselessly guarded the vestal flame.
—Katy Waldman, Slate Magazine, 3 Aug. 2017
Leah Dolan, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
There were papal cloaks styled as trench coats, and vestal robes turned into coveralls, but with a solemn finish that showed respect for both the clothes and the creative congregation that wants to wear them.
—Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Sep. 2022
Souza sets out to reacquaint us with that vanished world, where norms obtained and men were men and words had meaning—where the sun rose on the shrines of our ancestors and six virgins ceaselessly guarded the vestal flame.
—Katy Waldman, Slate Magazine, 3 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vestal
Adjective
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Gerald Genta Minute Repeater A pure minute repeater – without other high watchmaking functions as part of a grand-complication package – is a rare thing.—
Carol Besler,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Invisible pollutants unleashed To simulate real-world conditions, the researchers placed unused masks in beakers of ultra-pure water and left them at room temperature for 24 hours.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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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
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To win the grand prize, 10 contestants must stay as chaste as possible in a house together for four weeks.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
16 July 2025
Adjective
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To put it simply, the vibes were immaculate.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
6 Sep. 2025
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Part first-person shooter, part action-adventure game, BioShock delivers on immaculate art direction, top-notch gameplay, and a morality system that, while simple, is still very enjoyable to engage with.—
Oliver Brandt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Don’t forget meds, food, clean ID tags, and anything else your dog might need on the trip.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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Do that by using a clean rag or paper towel treated with a small amount of commercial cleaning or bleach solution, and rub them for as long as directed by the manufacturer's instructions.—
Audrey Bruno,
SELF,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Vestal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vestal. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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