Definition of virginalnext
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as in unmarried
never having had sexual relations a virginal girl who would not permit any liberties to be taken with her body

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 virginal Brides were expected, in most cultures at various points in history, to be virginal, pure and dedicated to their husbands. — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 May 2026 Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel is a slow read with an out-of-time atmosphere, really one of the most virginal and repressed romance stories of all time. — Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026 Our idols were allowed to either be good girls—militantly wholesome and seemingly virginal—or train wrecks, unmoored and wild, and thus subjected to a litany of bullying and ridicule for their actions. — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2026 Someone with the virginal purity of a political outsider and the intrinsic capability of an insider who’s spent decades cutting deals and keeping the government wheels spinning. — Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for virginal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for virginal
Adjective
  • In her pristine Los Angeles kitchen, Nora Lum—the actor, comedian, and rapper better known as Awkwafina—is standing over a stove with two burners and losing the fight with both.
    — Elissa Suh, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The remote Pacific Ocean has some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world.
    — Lauren Sommer, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The archaic legal restrictions restricting same-sex couples or unmarried women, for example, are acknowledged and adhered to, rather than being openly challenged or criticized.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Lizzie’s status as an unmarried 32-year-old woman at the time of Andrew and Abby’s deaths was highly unusual, however, leading some historians to speculate about her sexuality, which would not have been openly discussed in the Victorian era.
    — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Cringe may be excruciating, but post-cringe would be pure horror.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • This gift box contains eight bars, spanning from 58 to 80% cacao, in flavors like banana foster and green tea crunch for the adventurous and pink sea salt or pure cacao, dates, and vanilla for the purists.
    — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, Kansas City is also getting a major boost from running back Kenneth Walker III, who signed with the team before the season fresh off winning the Super Bowl MVP award with the Seattle Seahawks.
    — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Readers rave about the flavorful combination of fresh apples, plump, juicy raisins, and cinnamon.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • According to the scientists, the alloys were produced entirely from recycled scrap without adding virgin iron.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The savings would come from reducing exposure to volatile and rising raw-material costs associated with virgin wood pulp and logging operations—risks that are intensifying as climate change makes forest fires more frequent and severe.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Just a few small steps from the off-road parking lot led to a tiny teal door—the color a reflection of the island's immaculate waters.
    — Callie Thorpe, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • His homemaker mother Leonor (a superb Maude Sandham) and his 17-year-old sister Ilse (Karoline Watson) complete the immaculate family portrait, but there’s unrest there too.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • After a dramatic, fiery takeoff, Airbus's U740-Valkyrie uncrewed combat aircraft completed its maiden flight on October 12, 2026, in the skies over Northern Europe as part of a program to provide Europe with its own autonomous Loyal Wingman.
    — David Szondy October 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Brennan's maiden win came at the 2025 Bank of Utah Championship in November against an admittedly weaker field.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Then there was the rather chaste kiss on Evans’s show late last year.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2026
  • Deadhead your chaste tree in late winter to promote flowering in the spring and summer months.
    — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Virginal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/virginal. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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