as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse
a widower who has maintained absolute celibacy since the death of his wife
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 celibacy
The story of celibacy is a story of not having or doing.
—
Sarah Viren
june 4, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
Speaking with host Sherri Shepherd, the R&B singer shared more on his past experience with practicing celibacy, as well as his thoughts on nontraditional relationships.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 Mar. 2025
After witnessing that, Gregory made the decision to join the priesthood and took a vow of celibacy.
—Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Ouellet defended priestly celibacy for the Latin Rite church and upheld the ban on women’s ordination but called for women to have a greater role in church governance.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celibacy
Sarah Viren
june 4, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
Speaking with host Sherri Shepherd, the R&B singer shared more on his past experience with practicing celibacy, as well as his thoughts on nontraditional relationships.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 Mar. 2025
After witnessing that, Gregory made the decision to join the priesthood and took a vow of celibacy.
—Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Ouellet defended priestly celibacy for the Latin Rite church and upheld the ban on women’s ordination but called for women to have a greater role in church governance.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celibacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibacy
Noun
-
His timbre, almost unearthly in its purity, could carry over the orchestra and through Jarvis Hall on luster alone.—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2025
-
Domaine Roy & Fils produces organic Pinot Noir, emphasizing the purity of fruit and terroir.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
The Sisters of Mercy are an international community of Roman Catholic women who dedicate their lives to the Gospel of Jesus and take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
2 July 2025
-
The residents of the house had taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.—
Raul A. Reyes,
NBC news,
29 June 2025
Noun
-
Studies show people with high novelty-seeking scores are more likely to start substance use and more likely to relapse after abstinence.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
California is not being accused of failing to carry out the abstinence and contraception message.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Celibacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celibacy. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share