puritanical

adjective

pu·ri·tan·i·cal ˌpyu̇r-ə-ˈta-ni-kəl

Synonyms of puritanical next

: of, relating to, or characterized by a rigid morality

: puritan

puritanically

ˌpyu̇r-ə-ˈta-ni-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Examples of puritanical in a Sentence

some of the state laws concerning sexual behavior are vestiges of a more puritanical time and are rarely, if ever, enforced

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

In voiceover, Ai fondly recalls her own uncles and aunts sneaking out to clubs at night, partying all weekend, clashing with their elders and the more puritanical past generations stunned by the appropriation of sexier dress, style, and musical verve. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024 In this version, religious zealots—some imported, and some homegrown—are trying to impose a puritanical form of religious law on society. —

Daniel Corstange, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2016 Before each performance, the scene is set by a narrator who speaks in a prim, puritanical accent reminiscent of a bygone era. —

Sonaiya Kelley, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024 The complaints were frequently of a puritanical and/or phony high-brow bent. —

Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for puritanical