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

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 pure With that athleticism, the problems might be solved by pure talent. —

Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026 For instance, sainfoin leaves reduce bloating that cows might experience while eating pure alfalfa. —

Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026 As in 2024, the top destinations for immigrants in pure numbers in 2025 were counties that are home to Houston, Miami and Los Angeles. —

ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026 Just understand that these prices represent the cost of the metal in its purest form. —

Matt Richardson, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure

Adjective

This is plain weaponization of the FBI for partisan political purposes.

— Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Great effort has been made to transform what is ordinarily a plain, beige room into a festive space.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2026