asceticism

noun

Definition of asceticismnext
1
as in spirituality

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2
as in monasticism

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of asceticism Frayne writes that some second- and third-century sects, such as the Encratites, Priscilliantists, and Manicheans, advocated against meat eating, typically as part of a broader asceticism that might also include celibacy. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 4 Aug. 2025 Role models for digital moderation, much less asceticism, are in short supply. — Jack Butler, National Review, 11 May 2025 Upon his election, Bergoglio took the name Francis after Saint Francis of Assisi, who was known for his asceticism and ministry to the poor. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Apr. 2025 The bout of asceticism didn’t deter her from finishing a quarter of the album, however. — Arimeta Diop, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for asceticism
Recent Examples of Synonyms for asceticism
  1. spirituality
  2. monasticism
  3. religiousness
  4. holiness
  5. morality
  6. saintliness
  7. sanctity
  8. devotion
Noun
  • Among the artistic practices highlighted will be those that center physical science, astronomy, geology, spirituality, mythology, and abstraction.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Researchers said participants wanted content creators, influencers and television and film producers to offer more nuanced and authentic portrayals of religion and spirituality.
    — City News Service, Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of spirituality
Noun
  • Egyptian officials also unveiled the discovery of an ancient monastery dating back to the dawn of Christian monasticism.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of monasticism
Noun
  • There's a sort of a natural world religiousness or spirituality or philosophy that swells around a lot of things and different characters.
    — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Key measures of religiousness have remained remarkably stable since 2020, according to recent Pew Research Center polling.
    — Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Definition of religiousness
Noun
  • Soul is a synonym for God, or Spirit, and expresses the vast and eternal beauty of holiness, reflected in man and the universe.
    — Dilshad Khambatta Eames, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The saints’ books, rich vestments and formal poses were visible signs of holiness, symbolizing their learning, discipline and eloquence.
    — Denva Gallant, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Definition of holiness
Noun
  • Integrity beliefs focus on expectations about honesty and morality.
    — John C. Besley, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Despite its reputation, there is a thriving nightlife alongside strict religious codes, a morality police, and security challenges fueled by attacks by jihadi groups.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of morality
Noun
  • In the years following Wallace’s death, this aura of saintliness likely derived from the combination of his moral seriousness as a fiction writer—his attunement to the heroism of private suffering and emotional endurance—and the fact of his premature end.
    — Hermione Hoby, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026
Definition of saintliness
Noun
  • The rest of the world is watching the crumbling of America’s economic relationship with its closest trading partner, and an administration that is calling into question the sanctity of free trade agreements generally.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Some, like Uthmeier, claim that use of such vaccines goes against the church’s belief in the sanctity of life.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of sanctity
Noun
  • In intimate letters, Harp has explained her devotion to the 80-year-old president.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Sharif said Noreen displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty by risking her life to save the newborn moments before the nursery burned down.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of devotion

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Cite this Entry

“Asceticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/asceticism. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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