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

General Daily Insight for September 20, 2026 Today may refuse to follow the script.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
Others, such as Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia, have refused to provide Kyiv with direct military assistance.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of refuse

Verb

Requests for heavy construction equipment, in particular, are often rejected; Israeli officials say Hamas fighters could use it to dig tunnels.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
The court rejected Kalshi’s broad interpretation of the Commodity Exchange Act and upheld an order allowing Nevada to enforce its gambling regulations against Kalshi’s sports event contracts.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of reject

Verb

The ones who hesitate, or answer in generalities about market opportunity, are usually the ones where the practice has drifted furthest from its original purpose.

— Peter Doyle, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Many people would have hesitated before taking them on as tenants, housemates, or clients.

— Ian Parker, New Yorker, 14 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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“Abstain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstain. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of abstain

verb

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