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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Example Sentences
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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
-
Recently, marinated, raw tuna cubes sat on top of a creamy hazelnut and bean pure while a fatty pork jowl was balanced by a tart salsa verde and sprigs of purslane.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
The only risk to consider here is Seattle’s pure dominance at home.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
He had been engaged in a months-long chaste affair with Jane Seymour that Anne was aware of and angry about.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
-
Consider flowering dogwood, chaste tree, dwarf Italian cypress, or Little Gem magnolia instead.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
The vibes in the streets are immaculate as the Knicks continue to roll at the Garden and the city keeps shedding its scaffolding, block by block.—
Jesse Kirshbaum,
SPIN,
15 May 2026
-
With a nod to its namesake, French printer Firmin Didot, the interiors are immaculate with contemporary wooden-block four-posters and a secret bookcase bathroom door in one room.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Supplies of food, clean water and medicine are severely limited.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
-
On a set play, Poulin — who was lined up against Kelly Pannek, one of the premier faceoff centers in the game — won the offensive zone draw clean, snapping the puck back to an awaiting Dubois.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vestal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vestal. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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