ascetic 1 of 2

adjective

variants also ascetical
Definition of asceticnext
as in monastic
formal relating to or having a strict and simple way of living that avoids physical pleasure He committed to having an ascetic existence during his rehab. an ascetic diet of rice and beans

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ascetic

2 of 2

noun

as in prude

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How does the adjective ascetic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ascetic are austere, severe, and stern. While all these words mean "given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint," ascetic implies abstention from pleasure and comfort or self-indulgence as spiritual discipline.

the ascetic life of the monks

When could austere be used to replace ascetic?

The words austere and ascetic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, austere stresses absence of warmth, color, or feeling and may apply to rigorous restraint, simplicity, or self-denial.

living an austere life in the country

When is it sensible to use severe instead of ascetic?

The synonyms severe and ascetic are sometimes interchangeable, but severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness.

severe military discipline

Where would stern be a reasonable alternative to ascetic?

While in some cases nearly identical to ascetic, stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

stern arbiters of public morality

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 ascetic
Adjective
Ménochet is a scary wonder as Marc, a great bear of a man who is chillingly adept at hiding his rage and possessiveness under the guise of a gentle, enlightened ascetic. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 The overall aesthetic was slightly ascetic without being spartan—a pale, neutral color palette; simple, modern furniture; a few pieces of abstract art. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
With a few edits, the book could pass for an anarchist tract; with a few more, for the work of a Christian ascetic. — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ascetic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ascetic
  1. monastic
  2. prude
  3. authoritarian
  4. straight arrow
  5. exacting
  6. unrelenting
  7. adamant
  8. monkish
Adjective
  • When the Dark Ages descended on the ancient world, Benedict of Nursia ignited a monastic revival that would establish thousands of monasteries and train generations of devoted readers.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Masonry fireplaces anchor the principal living spaces with an almost monastic solidity.
    — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of monastic
Noun
  • Martha didn’t want to be a prude.
    — Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • In fact, the prudes among us might need hand fans.
    — Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Definition of prude
Adjective
  • As Bukele gained popularity, there were internal discussions on how best to signal the Administration’s concerns about his increasingly authoritarian actions.
    — Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The island’s very existence—a prosperous, democratic Chinese society integrated with the West—offers a stinging rebuke to the claim that authoritarian rule is uniquely suited to the Chinese people.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of authoritarian
Noun
  • Calvano will play Joni, Ginger’s daughter, and a budding lawyer who’s a super straight arrow.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Good student, good football player, straight arrow.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026
Definition of straight arrow
Adjective
  • Every place on this list has been vetted and endorsed, again and again, by the world’s most exacting travelers.
    — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 23 July 2026
  • Loathe have always been committed to self-production (their 2017 debut is their only album that credits an outside co-producer), but A Stranger to You begs for more exacting supervision.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
Definition of exacting
Adjective
  • Zeizel, who did not treat Clancy prior to the killings, testified that Clancy's intrusive thoughts eventually became unrelenting.
    — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The unrelenting national attention on the Clancy trial has been difficult for people who've had postpartum psychosis, says Meghan Cliffel who experienced the disorder and is now a mental health advocate.
    — Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of unrelenting
Adjective
  • Hauser is adamant European companies have the innovation and skill to do so.
    — Arjun Kharpal,Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In the press release, the company was adamant that the transition wouldn’t lead to layoffs.
    — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of adamant
Adjective
  • Often made by anonymous rappers and producers with a monkish dedication to their craft, this isn’t rap for the live show but for the headphones, music where every muttered word and barely-there snare matters.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026
  • Designed with the neighboring 12th-century Abbaye de Sénaque in mind, the monkish minimalism—polished dark wood, long, bone-white corridors—add to the unique quality of this attractive space.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Definition of monkish

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ascertains
ascetic
asceticism
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Cite this Entry

“Ascetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ascetic. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ascetic

Nglish: Translation of ascetic for Spanish Speakers

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