Puritanical
adjective
Following or encouraging strict religious behaviors or morals.
The town had a puritanical reputation, with strict rules about drinking and gambling.
Often appears as...
- puritanical beliefs
- puritanical society
adjective
Strict or disapproving of aspects of life that involve pleasure or satisfaction.
Her puritanical parents didn't approve of her decision to pursue a career in the performing arts.
Often appears as...
- puritanical attitude
- puritanical censorship
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Following or encouraging strict religious behaviors or morals.
The town had a puritanical reputation, with strict rules about drinking and gambling.
Often appears as...
- puritanical beliefs
- puritanical society
adjective
Strict or disapproving of aspects of life that involve pleasure or satisfaction.
Her puritanical parents didn't approve of her decision to pursue a career in the performing arts.
Often appears as...
- puritanical attitude
- puritanical censorship
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Often Negative
Used to criticize or mock overly strict behavior, especially related to enjoyment or personal choices.
They gave me a puritanical look when I ordered a cocktail.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Link
Originates from the Puritans, who had strict religious practices. May invoke historical associations.
His puritanical stance on holidays felt outdated.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Context
Depends on cultural norms; what's puritanical in one culture might be normal in another.
They found the town's curfew quite puritanical.
Compare with
asceticaustereconformmoralisticprudishrigorousstrict
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Video examples
How caffeine and alcohol...
I don't want to be puritanical. I'm just a scientist. What I want to try and do is provide you with the information about the relationship between caffeine and alcohol on your sleep so then you can make an informed choice as to how best you want to live your life
Video examples
Egyptian Belly Dancers PIPE...
go to weddings or parties but now it's definitely in the last 20 years as Islamic conservatives have preached a more puritanical morality some people have come to believe that belly dancing
Video examples
How caffeine and alcohol...
I don't want to be puritanical. I'm just a scientist. What I want to try and do is provide you with the information about the relationship between caffeine and alcohol on your sleep so then you can make an informed choice as to how best you want to live your life
Video examples
Egyptian Belly Dancers PIPE...
go to weddings or parties but now it's definitely in the last 20 years as Islamic conservatives have preached a more puritanical morality some people have come to believe that belly dancing
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Rod Lurie
Israeli Director
I think our nation cannot stomach the notion of a woman in sexual terms whatsoever: that we are so puritanical that we cannot dismiss the notion of sex from our minds when it comes to women.
Quote examples
Kate Millett
American Activist
We're more sexually repressed than men, having been given a much more strict puritanical code of behavior than men ever have.
Quote examples
Kenneth Oppel
Canadian Author
I'm cursed with this puritanical streak that makes me want everything to be about something. It's a terrible affliction.
Quote examples
Sebastian Lelio
Chilean Director
Chilean society is conservative, but U.S. society is puritanical.
Quote examples
Tom Selleck
American Actor
I had a strong, really good upbringing, not puritanical.
Quote examples
Louis Theroux
British Director
I've discovered I am quite a puritanical person.
Quote examples
William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne
British Politician
Once is orthodox, twice is puritanical.
Quote examples
Ann-Margret
Swedish Actress
I've always been extremely puritanical.
Quote examples
Nick Nolte
American Actor
American society is still puritanical.
Quote examples
Barkha Dutt
Indian Journalist
Patriotism need not be puritanical.
Quote examples
Rod Lurie
Israeli Director
I think our nation cannot stomach the notion of a woman in sexual terms whatsoever: that we are so puritanical that we cannot dismiss the notion of sex from our minds when it comes to women.
Quote examples
Kate Millett
American Activist
We're more sexually repressed than men, having been given a much more strict puritanical code of behavior than men ever have.
Quote examples
Kenneth Oppel
Canadian Author
I'm cursed with this puritanical streak that makes me want everything to be about something. It's a terrible affliction.
Quote examples
Sebastian Lelio
Chilean Director
Chilean society is conservative, but U.S. society is puritanical.
Quote examples
Tom Selleck
American Actor
I had a strong, really good upbringing, not puritanical.
Quote examples
Louis Theroux
British Director
I've discovered I am quite a puritanical person.
Quote examples
William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne
British Politician
Once is orthodox, twice is puritanical.
Quote examples
Ann-Margret
Swedish Actress
I've always been extremely puritanical.
Quote examples
Nick Nolte
American Actor
American society is still puritanical.
Quote examples
Barkha Dutt
Indian Journalist
Patriotism need not be puritanical.
Example 1 of 10
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