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

Examples 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 Disney's superhero franchise typically stays very chaste, but witches live to break the rules. Christian Holub, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024 Joan gives Keith the valuable First Impression rose and the first (chaste) kiss on the lips. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024 It’s mostly suited for tween viewers, with tame language, limited onscreen violence and no onscreen sexuality — Pippa’s chaste flirtations with Ravi are kept vague enough to prevent questions of age-appropriateness. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 July 2024 Yet their relationship, chaste and proper according to Muslim values, never develops; the reader never even learns the woman’s name. Adam Sella, New York Times, 26 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for chaste 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chaste
Adjective
  • Looking at total equivalent units shifted, which include streams and not just pure purchases, the Blackpink musician’s project moved 33,300 copies.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Detailing the extraordinary journey of double bassist Orin O'Brien, who was the first full-time female member of the New York Philharmonic, this short film captures the glorious world of rehearsals, music classes, tiny apartments, and pure music geekery.
    Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Accessible only by a scenic hike or kayak, this pristine spot offers a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025
  • As for other luxe ski resorts to head to this winter, destinations from Alaska to Patagonia are offering up pristine slopes for an over-the-top experience.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Guests throughout the year are dazzled by Fulk’s exquisite interiors and immaculate attention to detail, but the holidays will bring something special.
    Meredith Lepore, Robb Report, 24 Dec. 2024
  • For most of the restaurant’s existence, Herrera sat on a chair at the counter, with immaculate red nails, taking orders and writing the names of customers on paper bags.
    Erica Zora Wrightson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Think about it: the record companies forced them to be clean cut and preppy and all those things.
    Gary Gerard Hamilton, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • The year-on-year increases at each major are more modest, usually between 10 and 12 percent, but that percentage of tournament revenue remains steadfast, if not entirely immovable.
    Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
  • In the bond market, which has been the bigger focus for Wall Street recently, the moves were also more modest after the last month’s charge higher for yields.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But the French upper class, either idealists or simply oblivious, believed their beautiful capital would remain unsullied.
    Ruth Peltason, airmail.news, 24 Aug. 2024
  • Though this was at a time when homosexuality was still widely frowned upon, the pair managed to break through on pure, unsullied vision.
    Michael Cuby, Them, 29 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near chaste

Cite this Entry

“Chaste.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chaste. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on chaste

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