A textualist is someone who believes in the strict interpretation of a written text, such as a religious text or a legal document. Synonyms for the word textualist include strict constructionist, literalist, and purist. These terms all describe an individual who adheres closely to the words and language used within a certain text, and does not interpret or infer any additional meanings from it. While this approach can lead to a more consistent and objective understanding of a text, it can also hinder the ability to adapt to changing circumstances or to account for the nuances and vagaries of human language.