Prude — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈprüd/

Meaning & Definition of Prude

Prude (noun)

  1. a person who is excessively or priggishly attentive to propriety or decorum; especially, a woman who shows or affects extreme modesty

Prude (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a person who is greatly concerned with seemly behavior and morality especially regarding sexual matters

    "the racy sitcom frequently satirizes exactly the sort of prude who would like to see the show taken off the air"

    similar: bluenose, moralist, Mrs. Grundy, nice nelly, puritan, wowser (chiefly Australian)
    related: moralizer, goody-goody, Goody Two-shoes, fuddy-duddy, old maid, prig, spoilsport, stuffed shirt
    opposite: immoralist
    near: libertarian, libertine, misbehaver

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Prude

The most common words with a similar meaning to Prude:

Chiefly Australian: wowser
bluenose, moralist, Mrs. Grundy, nice nelly, puritan

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Prude

Words with the opposite meaning of Prude:

immoralist

Related Words for Prude

moralizer, goody-goody, Goody Two-shoes, fuddy-duddy, old maid, prig, spoilsport, stuffed shirt

Near Antonyms of Prude

libertarian, libertine, misbehaver

Origin & Etymology of Prude

French, good woman, prudish woman, short for prudefemme good woman, from Old French prode femme

First known use: 1676

Frequently Asked Questions about Prude

What does "Prude" mean?

"Prude" means a person who is excessively or priggishly attentive to propriety or decorum; especially, a woman who shows or affects extreme modesty. As a noun, it is defined as: a person who is excessively or priggishly attentive to propriety or decorum; especially, a woman who shows or affects extreme modesty.

What is another word for "Prude"?

Other words for "Prude" include bluenose, moralist, Mrs. Grundy, nice nelly, puritan and wowser. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Prude" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Prude"?

There are 14 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Prude". Common alternatives include bluenose, moralist, Mrs. Grundy, nice nelly, puritan and wowser.

What is the opposite of "Prude"?

Antonyms of "Prude" include immoralist. Near antonyms include libertarian, libertine and misbehaver.

How do you use "Prude" in a sentence?

Examples of "Prude" in a sentence: "the racy sitcom frequently satirizes exactly the sort of prude who would like to see the show taken off the air".

Is "Prude" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Prude" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Prude"?

"Prude" is pronounced /ˈprüd/.

What is the origin of the word "Prude"?

"Prude" comes from French, good woman, prudish woman, short for prudefemme good woman, from Old French prode femme. First known use: 1676.