puritanical

adjective

pu·​ri·​tan·​i·​cal ˌpyu̇r-ə-ˈta-ni-kəl How to pronounce puritanical (audio)
Synonyms of puritanicalnext
1
: of, relating to, or characterized by a rigid morality
2
: puritan
puritanically
ˌpyu̇r-ə-ˈta-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce puritanical (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of puritanical

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Examples of puritanical in a Sentence

some of the state laws concerning sexual behavior are vestiges of a more puritanical time and are rarely, if ever, enforced
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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.
In the song, an old-growth tree provides cover from the watchful eye of puritanical church folk; chili dogs and ice cream are an excuse to break free from parents. — Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026 There was something puritanical and stunted in all of this critical handwringing. — Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026 Perhaps because of its puritanical roots, any place that serves alcohol in Boston also has to have a full menu—so there aren’t straight-up bars here or anywhere else. — Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026 Saudi Arabia’s founder had just taken control of Mecca with the help of a fiercely puritanical religious militia. — Iqbal Akhtar, The Conversation, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for puritanical

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of puritanical was in 1598

Rhymes for puritanical

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Browse Nearby Words

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puritanical
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Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of puritanical for Spanish Speakers

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