PURE Synonyms: 227 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'pure' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of pure are chaste , decent , and modest . While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions. // the pure of heart

Q: In what contexts can 'chaste' take the place of 'pure'?

Although the words chaste and pure have much in common, chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows. // they maintained chaste relations

Q: How are the words 'modest' and 'decent' related as synonyms of 'pure'?

Both modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity. // preferred more modest swimsuits // decent people didn't go to such movies

pure

adjective

ˈpyu̇r

Definition of pure next

as in plain

free from added matter There is a big difference between pure maple syrup and pancake syrup made with other ingredients. the solution must be kept pure for the experiment to work

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in immaculate

free from any trace of the coarse or indecent the humor in the movie is as pure and wholesome as any parent could wish

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as in innocent

free from sin in one beatitude those who are pure in heart are promised the sight of God

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as in sheer

having no exceptions or restrictions that story is pure nonsense

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word pure distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of pure are chaste, decent, and modest. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

In what contexts can chaste take the place of pure?

Although the words chaste and pure have much in common, chaste primarily implies a refraining from acts or even thoughts or desires that are not virginal or not sanctioned by marriage vows.

they maintained chaste relations

How are the words modest and decent related as synonyms of pure?

Both modest and decent apply especially to deportment and dress as outward signs of inward chastity or purity.

preferred more modest swimsuits

decent people didn't go to such movies

Examples 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 pure Fly Anakin: But this is the most pure version of Mutant Academy. —

Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 31 Dec. 2024 Charli’s meticulous approach paid off as Brat debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 with 77,000 equivalent album units in its first week, including 40,000 pure album sales and 46.72 million on-demand streams. —

Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 30 Dec. 2024 In its purest form, the minimum wage is supposed to be the minimum that a worker needs to be compensated for a full workweek in order to meet their most basic necessities and have a little left over. —

New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 30 Dec. 2024 There are those who saw Dylan’s rise as pure ruthless ambition, a unstoppable, undeniable, determination to triumph over his competition. —

John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure

Adjective

The supermodel layered three gold necklaces: one plain chain, one a string of medallions that recalls a cowboy belt, and a bigger pendant.

Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 2 Jan. 2025
Your process should be boring, plain vanilla, and consistent over time.

Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024