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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With speed on the right wing as essentially a pure winger rather than her usual right-back role, Oke gave Reign’s defense fits, especially when another midfielder joined and created overloads.—
Braidon Nourse,
Denver Post,
5 Apr. 2026
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Researchers in Germany are developing a new electrochemical method to coat fusion reactors with pure tungsten.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Most notable of these other wives is Vrinda, the chaste wife of the demon Jalandhar.—
Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz,
The Conversation,
24 Mar. 2026
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The best time to prune chaste tree is in late winter.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Her house is immense and kept in immaculate condition by her family’s servants (the Marthas).—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
2 Apr. 2026
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Welcome back to this week’s Lakers newsletter, where the vibes are immaculate.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Interiors are modern and clean, with a focus on floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize the far-reaching views from every part of the villa.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
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At the home, on West First Avenue in Hialeah, rooms were well-furnished, clean and tidy.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vestal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vestal. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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