ABSTAIN Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

abstain

verb

Definition of abstain

as in to refuse

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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 abstain If one or more commissioners choose to abstain from a merger vote because of ethical concerns, what would happen next is unclear. — ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026 Women are therefore advised to abstain from all drinking during pregnancy. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 11 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for abstain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstain

Verb

State police alleged that Betacourt was uncooperative and refused to comply with commands.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
The first time Christian had refused services, at midnight, Lojo had taken the answer at face value and moved on.

— Anand Giridharadas, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of refuse

Verb

The county urged the Supreme Court to reject the administration's appeal, while the state of Texas submitted its own brief defending the database.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
Notably, one person, without explanation, rejected the invitation to testify, though their statement to law enforcement was also considered.

— Cristian Farias, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of reject

Verb

There are six coaches in new roles entering the season, including Dallas' Dusty May — who led Michigan to the NCAA title last spring and then found an offer to jump to the NBA with the Mavs too enticing to turn down.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
According to the Sunday Times, the Prince of Wales has turned down the requests, in part to avoid a new source of conflict with his brother, Prince Harry, who recently moved with his family back to the UK.

— Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of turn down

Verb

Montgomery hesitated in front of Lee before cutting inside to leave Lee one-on-one with a defender streaking toward the end zone.

— PJ Green September 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
More senior employees may dominate the conversation, while younger employees may hesitate to speak up.

— John Abusaid, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of hesitate

Verb

Assad lied and temporized, the official said.

— Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
Accompanying these principles must be a rejection of the impulse to temporize about the dangers that confront us and a rejection of the bizarre deprecation of our nation and civilization.

— Peter J. Travers, National Review, 29 Mar. 2022

Definition of temporize

Browse Nearby Words

absorption

abstain

abstained

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Style

“Abstain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstain. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of abstain

verb

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