Puritans — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

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

Meaning & Definition of Puritans

Puritans (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

Puritans (adjective)

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

Puritans (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: bluenoses, moralists, Mrs. Grundys, nice nellies, prudes, wowsers (chiefly Australian)
    related: moralizers, goody-goodies, fuddy-duddies, old maids, prigs, spoilsports, stuffed shirts
    opposite: immoralists
    near: libertarians, libertines, misbehavers

Related Entry: Puritan (noun)

Puritan is a different word from Puritans. The synonyms below are for puritan, not for puritans.

  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 Puritans

The most common words with a similar meaning to Puritans:

Chiefly Australian: wowsers
bluenoses, moralists, Mrs. Grundys, nice nellies, prudes

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Puritans

Words with the opposite meaning of Puritans:

immoralists

Related Words for Puritans

moralizers, goody-goodies, fuddy-duddies, old maids, prigs, spoilsports, stuffed shirts

Near Antonyms of Puritans

libertarians, libertines, misbehavers

Origin & Etymology of Puritans

probably from Late Latin puritas purity

First known use: 1572

Frequently Asked Questions about Puritans

What does "Puritans" mean?

"Puritans" 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 "Puritans"?

Other words for "Puritans" include bluenoses, moralists, Mrs. Grundys, nice nellies, prudes and wowsers. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Puritans" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Puritans"?

There are 13 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Puritans". Common alternatives include bluenoses, moralists, Mrs. Grundys, nice nellies, prudes and wowsers.

What is the opposite of "Puritans"?

Antonyms of "Puritans" include immoralists. Near antonyms include libertarians, libertines and misbehavers.

How do you use "Puritans" in a sentence?

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

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

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

How do you pronounce "Puritans"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Puritans"?

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