1
as in temperance
voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
a cleric vainly preaching abstinence in a world where self-indulgence is regarded as almost a virtue
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse
an AIDS-prevention program that relies primarily on abstinence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abstinence
This assumption persists, despite numerous studies’ showing that medication can reduce the risk of overdose far more than abstinence alone — and that in some cases abstinence may even increase the risk of overdose later.
—
Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Here's what to know about Dry January, the alcohol abstinence challenge
Non-alcoholic beer and low alcohol on the rise
As sales of alcoholic beverages have plateaued, sales of non-alcoholic beer, drinks and spirits have intensified, up 27% in 2024.
—Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
The Jubilee call to Catholics to consider technology abstinence as a mark of spiritual devotion is very much in line with the pope’s move toward becoming more vocal and critical in his views about how technology is affecting society.
—Heidi A. Campbell, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025
Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence for many Catholics and other Christian denominations.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Here's what to know about Dry January, the alcohol abstinence challenge
Non-alcoholic beer and low alcohol on the rise
As sales of alcoholic beverages have plateaued, sales of non-alcoholic beer, drinks and spirits have intensified, up 27% in 2024.
—Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
The Jubilee call to Catholics to consider technology abstinence as a mark of spiritual devotion is very much in line with the pope’s move toward becoming more vocal and critical in his views about how technology is affecting society.
—Heidi A. Campbell, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025
Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence for many Catholics and other Christian denominations.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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Franklin’s virtues are: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility.—
Michael Maguire,
Boston Herald,
19 Aug. 2024
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Supporters aligned with the temperance movement used Weston’s walks to advance their agenda—since Weston was a teetotaler, sponsors and cheerleaders trumpeted his feats as evidence that sobriety was healthy.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Medium-full, this offers excellent varietal purity, medium weight tannins, very good acidity and subtle wood notes.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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Iran retaliated by advancing its uranium enrichment up to 60% purity, closer to the roughly 90% level that is needed to make a bomb.—
Nadeen Ebrahim,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Benedict became a rallying point for right-wing Catholics incensed at Francis and his reforms — which included outreach to gay Catholics, relaxing rules on priestly celibacy and allowing divorced and remarried believers to receive communion.—
Howard Chua-Eoan,
Mercury News,
22 Apr. 2025
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Who knows, maybe Frank’s exploration of gender and sexuality, and his struggles with celibacy in the wake of those, will somehow come into play once Frank gets to meet the man who either murdered his father or is his father.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The dismissal came after a more than year long dispute between the nuns and the diocese that began when Olson investigated a report that the nuns’ leader, the Rev. Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach, broke her chastity vows with a priest from outside the diocese.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Apr. 2025
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This is certainly true with regard to his chastity, which Catholic writers extol in devotional literature.—
Emily Harnett,
Harpers Magazine,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This season started with the Ratliff kids debating sleeping arrangements and continued with Saxon’s unnatural interest in Piper’s (Sarah Catherine Hook) possible virginity, as well as ongoing intimations of voyeurism and partner-sharing.—
Daniel Fienberg,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Mar. 2025
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Instead of coming straight to Mom after losing their virginity, Frances tells their grandfather first.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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