Synonyms of abstain

abstain

verb

as in to refuse

Related Words

• refuse
• reject
• turn down
• hesitate
• temporize
• delay
• decline
• halt
• stall
• vacillate
• waver
• waffle
• shilly-shally

Dissimilar Words

• choose
• determine
• decide
• resolve
• settle (on or upon)
• opt
• conclude
• figure
• name
• rule
• prefer
• elect
• select
• pick
• decree
• cull
• single (out)
• handpick

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abstain

Buried not so deep in the bylaws and statutes that legally define FIFA, is a pledge that the organization will abstain from the vagaries of politics. — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 8 June 2026

Five voted against, including Brown, and five others abstained — all of whom are appointed or elected with CTU support. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026

In his new book on Capra, Sam Wasson describes the director’s defiance of Columbia Pictures’ skimpy ad budgets as well as his willingness to challenge the rule that filmmakers abstain from the sales hustle. — Peter Bart, Deadline, 22 May 2026

Wieckowski said Lofgren and other Democratic leaders petitioned candidates in the full-term primary election on June 2 to abstain from running in the special election so Wieckowski could hold the seat through Swalwell’s current term. — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026

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