impure

adjective

im·​pure (ˌ)im-ˈpyu̇r How to pronounce impure (audio)
Synonyms of impurenext
: not pure: such as
a
: containing something unclean : foul
impure water
b
: mixed or impregnated with an extraneous and usually unwanted substance
an impure chemical
c
: sexual in a way that is considered morally wrong
having impure thoughts
d
: ritually unclean : having been defiled
impurely adverb
impureness noun

Synonyms of impure

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Examples of impure in a Sentence

be careful, because impure motor oil can damage your car's engine Victorian notions of what qualified as impure art now strike us as laughable.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The trash is heated to break it into crude, impure syngas, which is then zapped with plasma torches to further refine it. — IEEE Spectrum, 22 Nov. 2011 Their inclusion underlines the wider context of the film, provoking the audience to hold these pure and impure images together. — Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025 France has Europe’s largest population of Muslims, over 6 million, for whom pigs are considered impure. — Reuters, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 Wise’s wistful songwriting is retained, but completely missing is his intentionally impure palette. — Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for impure

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin impurus, from in- + purus pure

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impure was in the 15th century

Rhymes for impure

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Browse Nearby Words

impunity
impure
impurify
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Cite this Entry

“Impure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impure. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

impure

adjective
im·​pure (ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇(ə)r How to pronounce impure (audio)
1
: not pure : unclean, dirty
2
: mixed with something else that is usually not as good
an impure chemical
impurely adverb

Medical Definition

impure

adjective
im·​pure (ˈ)im-ˈpyu̇(ə)r How to pronounce impure (audio)
: not pure: as
a
: containing something unclean
impure water
b
: mixed or impregnated with an extraneous and usually unwanted substance : adulterated
an impure chemical

More from Merriam-Webster on impure

Nglish: Translation of impure for Spanish Speakers

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