asceticism

noun

Definition of asceticismnext
1
as in spirituality

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2
as in monasticism

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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
  • But in recent years, Brand has publicly pivoted to an influencer and podcaster focused on spirituality and heavily leaning toward anti-government conspiracies.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The spirituality throughout is imbued with a solemn reverence more Catholic than Baptist.
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 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
  • But your compassion, your kind heart, and your holiness are what really elevate you in my eyes.
    — Scott Detrow, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of holiness
Noun
  • Not sincere, caring concern, and not questions about the legality or morality of Grace’s ultimatum.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Their morality, as Peter Thiel taught Sam Altman, is to become a monopoly — that’s the only true business, is to be a monopoly.
    — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 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
  • But is the sanctity of the re-see at risk when yet another industry appointment becomes a content machine?
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The first establishes the angel on Sutskever’s shoulder, a mentor who prioritizes safety in development and the sanctity of the human race.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of sanctity
Noun
  • The Beehive State topped the ranking with its devotion to the Japanese card game.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • There is something about this ethic that a critic should inhabit, as well—a craft of devotion rather than exhibition.
    — Lola Seaton, The New York Review of Books, 17 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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