Puritan — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈpyu̇r-ə-tən/ pu·ri·tan

Meaning & Definition of Puritan

Puritan (noun)

  1. a member of a 16th and 17th century Protestant group in England and New England opposing as unscriptural the ceremonial worship and the prelacy of the Church of England
  2. one who practices or preaches a more rigorous or professedly purer moral code than that which prevails

Puritan (adjective)

  1. of or relating to puritans, the Puritans, or puritanism

Puritan (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "some of the town's puritans still maintain that sex education has no place in the schools"

    similar: bluenose, moralist, Mrs. Grundy, nice nelly, prude, 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 Puritan

The most common words with a similar meaning to Puritan:

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

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Puritan

Words with the opposite meaning of Puritan:

immoralist

Related Words for Puritan

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

Near Antonyms of Puritan

libertarian, libertine, misbehaver

Origin & Etymology of Puritan

probably from Late Latin puritas purity

First known use: 1572

Frequently Asked Questions about Puritan

What does "Puritan" mean?

"Puritan" means a member of a 16th and 17th century Protestant group in England and New England opposing as unscriptural the ceremonial worship and the prelacy of the Church of England. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: a member of a 16th and 17th century Protestant group in England and New England opposing as unscriptural the ceremonial worship and the prelacy of the Church of England.

What is another word for "Puritan"?

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

What are different ways to say "Puritan"?

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

What is the opposite of "Puritan"?

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

How do you use "Puritan" in a sentence?

Examples of "Puritan" in a sentence: "some of the town's puritans still maintain that sex education has no place in the schools".

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

"Puritan" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Puritan"?

"Puritan" is pronounced /ˈpyu̇r-ə-tən/ and divided into syllables as pu·ri·tan.

What is the origin of the word "Puritan"?

"Puritan" comes from probably from Late Latin puritas purity. First known use: 1572.