MONKISH Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

monkish

adjective

Definition of monkish

as in ascetic

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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 monkish And also there is something a little bit, the word that comes to mind is almost monkish. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 9 Jan. 2026 Integral, too, to Dayal’s mythology was his monkish existence. — Literary Hub, 29 Oct. 2025 The festival would know that better than most, juxtaposing classical music—and its expectation of monkish silence—with the heart of Chicago’s downtown, and the human mix therein. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025 Obama has retreated into monkish silence, broken only for special occasions such as celebrity deaths and the recording of Bruce Springsteen podcasts. — Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 17 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for monkish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for monkish

Adjective

But there is a certain ascetic simplicity to this labyrinthine heritage building that remains relatively unadorned.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
And there were posters tearing apart his otherworldly self-projection as a fakir, or ascetic, depicting him in his monogrammed suits, designer sunglasses, and aircraft.

— Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of ascetic

Adjective

From ancient times, various monastic orders have followed a more expansive form of brahmacharya, one that restricts eight types of engagement with the opposite gender.

— Bhakti Mamtora, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
But the units are monastic, at least by the standards of Nashville upperclassmen, who usually live in singles or in apartments off campus.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of monastic

Adjective

Housed inside the austere modernist facade by architect John Moutoussamy, the interiors — the work of Palm Springs designers Arthur Elrod and William Raiser — were never renovated or changed.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
One of the best parts of today’s bridal era is that many to-be-weds are choosing to do a mix of both—changing from a more austere, classic wedding dress for the ceremony to flirty, boundary-pushing styles as the night continues.

— Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of austere

Adjective

The case centers on the Cuban government shooting down two Brothers to the Rescue flights, a civilian rescue group dedicated to saving refugees fleeing the authoritarian Castro regime — then run by Raul Castro’s older brother Fidel.

— Liv Caputo Herald, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
The former authoritarian president is eyeing a return as prime minister after the Sunday vote.

— Teresa Medrano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of authoritarian

Adjective

Catholics have used Scripture to argue for and against deportations and strict immigration enforcement.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
But the country also has strict rules governing how minors should be treated during a criminal investigation.

— Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of strict

Browse Nearby Words

monkhoods

monkish

monks

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“Monkish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monkish. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of monkish

adjective

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