as in pure
free from any trace of the coarse or indecent
a schoolteacher who dresses with almost vestal modesty while on the job
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Recent Examples of vestal
These vestal get-ups are, in fact, the latest in a long line of subversive pop culture interpretations of the lives (and loves) of nuns.
—
Leah Dolan, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
There were papal cloaks styled as trench coats, and vestal robes turned into coveralls, but with a solemn finish that showed respect for both the clothes and the creative congregation that wants to wear them.
—Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Sep. 2022
Souza sets out to reacquaint us with that vanished world, where norms obtained and men were men and words had meaning—where the sun rose on the shrines of our ancestors and six virgins ceaselessly guarded the vestal flame.
—Katy Waldman, Slate Magazine, 3 Aug. 2017
Leah Dolan, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024
There were papal cloaks styled as trench coats, and vestal robes turned into coveralls, but with a solemn finish that showed respect for both the clothes and the creative congregation that wants to wear them.
—Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Sep. 2022
Souza sets out to reacquaint us with that vanished world, where norms obtained and men were men and words had meaning—where the sun rose on the shrines of our ancestors and six virgins ceaselessly guarded the vestal flame.
—Katy Waldman, Slate Magazine, 3 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vestal
Adjective
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Otherwise, the tone of the show is pure cosmopolitan sympathy.—
Doreen St. Félix,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
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That’s why Baumler’s pure stuff will only get him as far as his ability to command it against big league hitters.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The best time to prune chaste tree is in late winter.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Dec. 2025
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Chihiro and Hiruhiko were engaging in the sort of passionate but chaste dude-bro melodrama that takes place only in shōnen manga.—
Matt Alt,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Though her most recent airport outfit was far more relaxed than her arrival look, never expect Amal’s jeans and sweaters to look anything less than immaculate.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2026
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The standard rooms are called deluxe because everything here is immaculate, generously proportioned and exquisitely comfortable – and all the guests are made to feel special.—
Caroline Law,
TheWeek,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The data center will match 100 percent of its electricity use with clean energy, according to the company.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
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India’s clean energy rollout still relies on China, which dominates supply chains for critical minerals and electrotech.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vestal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vestal. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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