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

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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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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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 However, not winning on pure model performance doesn’t mean Google is down and out of the AI race. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 Yet along with this should come the recognition that the highs achieved by those momentum stocks in the second quarter came from massive leverage and crowding that won’t quickly return, not from pure fundamental improvement. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026 Opening spring through fall in pure white to soft pink hues, the fragrant blooms are a favorite of butterflies, bumblebees, and hummingbirds. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026 Nobody’s motives seem 100 percent pure in Monsters of God, self-assessments notwithstanding. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pure

Adjective

In 1929, an Armenian immigrant family founded what would become the Colombo brand, selling large containers of plain yogurt as a convenience for fellow transplants from other parts of the world.

— Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 11 Aug. 2026
Business leaders, model risk teams, auditors and regulators all need different levels of explanation, from a plain-language summary to a detailed technical trace.

— Sandeep Shivam, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of plain

Adjective

Caught in the crossfire are innocent kids trying simply to stay in safety.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
But on her path, Jean causes bodily and emotional harm to both Peter and numerous innocent bystanders by inhabiting their bodies and forcing them to do her bidding.

— Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of innocent

Adjective

Other governments, including the US, have their own rules and disclosure requirements, but beyond the breadth of the controls in China, the sheer number of people affected is striking – and reaches far beyond civil servants.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Just look at the new stand — the sheer size of it shows the club’s ambition.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of sheer

Adjective

Many who watched that win with unadulterated joy on NBC that Sunday suddenly felt like they may be getting used during the network broadcast of the SOTU on Tuesday.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026
All of these solutions are unevenly distributed, and the effects of unadulterated heat are concentrated on the country’s poor.

— Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026

Definition of unadulterated

Adjective

Hinckley launched a music career after being granted unconditional release in 2022, but found some concert venues weren’t receptive to hosting his performances.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2026
In one room, Catherine is getting promises of unconditional love and affection from Alden, a man who would never harm her.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of unconditional

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“Pure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pure. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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