1
2
as in pristine
being in an original and unused or unspoiled state
the state's only remaining virgin forest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pure
free from any trace of the coarse or indecent
his photographs of nudes have such a virgin purity about them that only a prude would find them objectionable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in uninhabited
existing without human habitation or cultivation
a vast expanse of virgin territory
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in maiden
coming before all others in time or order
the political analyst's virgin effort at a cloak-and-dagger thriller
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in novice
a person who is just starting out in a field of activity
a virgin in the world of comedy clubs, he's still learning to deal with hecklers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 virgin
Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 22 Dec. 2025
Circulose has gained traction this year by appealing to brands interested in reducing their reliance on virgin materials to create viscose and lyocell fibers.
—Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
The Editors, Curbed, 15 Dec. 2025
That said—and specifically across polyester fabrics tested—Nike showed the highest fiber release, with the greatest counts in both virgin and recycled polyester.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for virgin
Adjective
Another option is pan-popping in a small amount of extra virgin olive, avocado, or canola oil.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 22 Dec. 2025
Circulose has gained traction this year by appealing to brands interested in reducing their reliance on virgin materials to create viscose and lyocell fibers.
—Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025
Noun
By the looks of his Facebook profile, the next guy presented like another nerdy virgin.
—The Editors, Curbed, 15 Dec. 2025
That said—and specifically across polyester fabrics tested—Nike showed the highest fiber release, with the greatest counts in both virgin and recycled polyester.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for virgin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virgin
Adjective
-
Someone with the virginal purity of a political outsider and the intrinsic capability of an insider who’s spent decades cutting deals and keeping the government wheels spinning.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Someone with the virginal purity of a political outsider and the intrinsic capability of an insider who’s spent decades cutting deals and keeping the government wheels spinning.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Some students — like the owner of a pristine 1960s Chevrolet Impala — entertained a crowd of oglers with their immaculate engine bays and pristine paint jobs.—
Daniel Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Liis Studied feels like nesting, whether that’s on a pristine white couch with a fluffy blanket, under the covers in bed, or tucked away in the corner of a cozy bookstore.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In addition to pure retinol, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this unique product features retinyl palmitate, an antioxidant-rich skin protectant, as well as retinyl acetate, a natural form of vitamin A that keeps pores clean while stimulating collagen production.—
Michelle Baricevic,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Trump, though never restrained, is now pure id, acting on impulse and goaded on by advisers who see an opportunity to further expand executive power.—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
East Caicos, one of the largest uninhabited islands in the Caribbean, felt untouched.—
Henry Wismayer,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
-
What To Know The Japanese government purchased Mageshima, an uninhabited islet in Kagoshima prefecture, for $146 million in 2019.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Ford expects to put the first few laps on its new Le Mans challenger in Q3, several months before the team’s maiden race in Qatar in March 2027.—
Jerry Perez,
The Drive,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Ted Noffey remains the favorite at 6-1 on the morning line, followed by Kentucky Jockey Club winner Further Ado at 10-1, Remsen winner Paladin at 10-1 and dominant Churchill Downs maiden winer Cannoneer at 15-1.—
Kevin Modesti,
Oc Register,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Chan began as a singles skater and switched to pairs, partnering with Mitrofanov at the novice level.—
Alice Park,
Time,
12 Jan. 2026
-
But the harder the novice looks — and the greater the chaos inside them longing for order, even of a diabolical nature — the more clearly the horror will appear.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
So yes, Mary might have remained unmarried without George.—
Margaret Heidenry,
Vanity Fair,
24 Dec. 2025
-
But Jo, the aspiring writer, is at the center of the narrative, as the sister trying to imagine a life outside of what is expected of her as a young, unmarried woman.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Parents,
22 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The best time to prune chaste tree is in late winter.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Dec. 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Virgin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virgin. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
