as in fanatics
a person who has very strong ideas about what is correct or acceptable and who usually opposes changes to traditional methods and practices
a new style of play that offended the sport's purists a language purist who is always looking to correct the speech of others
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Recent Examples of purists
For today’s Welles purists, that would be the least of their concerns.
—
David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
The purists will insist that Babe Ruth is rolling in his grave, while the game’s youngest fans probably aren’t listening to them with so many other options for entertainment.
—Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026
When Barbara Walters started interviewing celebrities on her prime time specials for ABC in the 1970s, pearl-clutching journalistic purists were aghast.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
When the Mach-E hit the scene, plenty of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle purists were appalled by the idea that Ford would badge an EV as a Mustang.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
This personality transplant isn’t the only notable deviation likely to get the book’s purists up in arms.
—Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
The first Boxster was little loved by Porsche purists at the time, but the mid-engine roadster—which helped keep the company afloat during dire times—was in actuality a delight to drive.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
Along a quiet strip in Kurashiki, Japan, known as Kojima Jeans Street, denim purists from around the world make their pilgrimage.
—Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
As much as purists may loathe it, NCAA Tournament expansion is, as Jamie Dixon said, inevitable.
—Mac Engel
march 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026
David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
The purists will insist that Babe Ruth is rolling in his grave, while the game’s youngest fans probably aren’t listening to them with so many other options for entertainment.
—Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026
When Barbara Walters started interviewing celebrities on her prime time specials for ABC in the 1970s, pearl-clutching journalistic purists were aghast.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
When the Mach-E hit the scene, plenty of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle purists were appalled by the idea that Ford would badge an EV as a Mustang.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
This personality transplant isn’t the only notable deviation likely to get the book’s purists up in arms.
—Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
The first Boxster was little loved by Porsche purists at the time, but the mid-engine roadster—which helped keep the company afloat during dire times—was in actuality a delight to drive.
—Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
Along a quiet strip in Kurashiki, Japan, known as Kojima Jeans Street, denim purists from around the world make their pilgrimage.
—Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
As much as purists may loathe it, NCAA Tournament expansion is, as Jamie Dixon said, inevitable.
—Mac Engel
march 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for purists
Noun
-
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said radical religious fanatics leading Iran can’t be trusted with a nuclear weapon after attacking embassies and hotels during the war.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Attention discounted shoe shopping fanatics.—
Olivia Evans,
Louisville Courier Journal,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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From late Qing reformers inspired by Athenian citizenship to nationalists who draw on Plato to bolster China’s political ideology, Bartsch shows how supple ancient texts are in the hands of interpreters.—
Chang Che,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
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For one, Pashtun nationalists will always have problems with a border that slices their heartland in two.—
Mihir Sharma,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Purists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/purists. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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