Synonym Chooser

How is the word chaste distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of chaste are decent, modest, and pure. While all these words mean "free from all taint of what is lewd or salacious," 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 chaste?

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

How do pure and chaste relate to one another?

Pure differs from chaste in implying innocence and absence of temptation rather than control of one's impulses and actions.

the pure of heart

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 chaste Traditionally, Hallmark’s have leaned a bit toward sweet and chaste, and by offering up something just a little bit different, Netflix has found its own niche within the genre. Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 Nana’s Hui-yeon adds another layer of complexity to the narrative as a widow who has vowed to remain chaste but begins to question her feelings after encountering Cho Won. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025 Nana, whose Korean name is Im Jina, plays the role of Hui-yeon, a widow who vows to remain chaste after losing her husband. Sara Merican, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025 Considering that the romance is so drastically different, and for good reason, having Snow White come to life via a chaste kiss feels almost too old-fashioned. Josh Spiegel, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chaste
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chaste
Adjective
  • Other video motifs include UFOs, idyllic green pastures, and vigorous exhortations to drink only the purest, rawest milk.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The pink boxes were cheaper than pure white because they were made from leftover cardboard stock.
    Bedatri D. Choudhury, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • From rainy nights to pool parties, and even during balmy weddings, this setting spray keeps my makeup pristine.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • This is the second in a four-part journey exploring Peru’s dramatic landscapes — from captivating cities to pristine coastlines to towering Andean peaks.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump also ordered the end of funding for PBS and NPR, their liberal credentials immaculate.
    Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 3 May 2025
  • In early April, for instance, she was spotted in an immaculate white suit with a double-breasted blazer, gold jewelry, a hint of cleavage, and sharply tailored dress pants.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The clean, bright walls along with colorful rugs and hardwood floors can seem impossible for people living in apartments.
    Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 2023
  • At the end of the dredging, sediment that’s not placed on the beach could be left in the pit and covered with a layer of clean sand.
    San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • Consensus estimates point to modest nonfarm payroll growth of 130,000 in April and the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.2%.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The funeral will be less formal than other papal funerals, with Francis having made changes last year around the process, including the use of a modest wooden coffin.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The crux of the change for Tarantino is that the experience of theater is still unsullied, whereas with movies, people are on their phones and the theatrical window is teeny tiny.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Back in 2018, when Lasseter left the company, Docter moved up to Chief Creative Officer, as the Disney division tried to continue its unsullied record of major hits.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chaste.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chaste. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on chaste

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