puritanism
noun
pu·ri·tan·ism
ˈpyu̇r-ə-tᵊn-ˌi-zəm 
1
capitalized
: the beliefs and practices characteristic of the Puritans
2
: strictness and austerity especially in matters of religion or conduct
Examples of puritanism in a Sentence
the Victorian era was often characterized by a hypocritical puritanism
Recent Examples on the Web
Today’s triumphant puritanism finds such idleness abhorrent.
—
Martin Wolf, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2015
He in turn was denounced for what many thought was an old-fashioned puritanism and what many also thought was jealousy — the production was directed by his successor at Yale, Lloyd Richards.
—Bruce Weber, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2023
And for Black women in particular, the consequences of stepping out of society’s faux puritanism are always much harsher.
—Tayo Bero, refinery29.com, 20 Dec. 2022
And for Black women, in particular, the consequences of stepping out of society’s faux puritanism are always much harsher.
—Tayo Bero, refinery29.com, 21 Dec. 2022
See all Example Sentences for puritanism 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Martin Wolf, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2015
He in turn was denounced for what many thought was an old-fashioned puritanism and what many also thought was jealousy — the production was directed by his successor at Yale, Lloyd Richards.
—Bruce Weber, New York Times, 29 Oct. 2023
And for Black women in particular, the consequences of stepping out of society’s faux puritanism are always much harsher.
—Tayo Bero, refinery29.com, 20 Dec. 2022
And for Black women, in particular, the consequences of stepping out of society’s faux puritanism are always much harsher.
—Tayo Bero, refinery29.com, 21 Dec. 2022
See all Example Sentences for puritanism
Dictionary Entries Near puritanism
Cite this Entry
“Puritanism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puritanism. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share