abstain

verb

Definition of abstainnext
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 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 Festivities and rituals build in intensity over Holy Week, culminating in an eight-hour, overnight service that ends with the breaking of a 55-day fast in which believers abstain from meat and animal products. — ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abstain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstain
  1. refuse
  2. reject
  3. turn down
  4. hesitate
  5. temporize
Verb
  • Varela said a customer service representative refused to help fix an issue with his daughter’s ticket, which had incorrectly listed her last name as her middle name due to an error his wife accidentally made when booking the flight a few months ago.
    — Thom Jensen, NBC news, 20 July 2026
  • Gavin refuses to use a byproduct solely because it would otherwise be discarded.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of refuse
Verb
  • Netanyahu had rejected any role in Gaza for the Palestinian Authority (without publicly endorsing an alternative).
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • Conversely, when a judge rejects a motion for an injunction, companies can move to complete a takeover deal quickly.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of reject
Verb
  • Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign Mishel Nduka after the midfield prospect turned down a new deal with Arsenal.
    — David Ornstein, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Sami previously discussed tensions with her father on an April 1 episode of Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, after apparently turning down an opportunity to join him for lunch.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026
Definition of turn down
Verb
  • In the front seat of Red Bull’s car, Lodewyck did not hesitate.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • While the environment and systems have evolved and data has increased, organizations still hesitate when decisions must be made.
    — Jorge Couto, Forbes.com, 21 July 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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Cite this Entry

“Abstain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstain. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on abstain

Nglish: Translation of abstain for Spanish Speakers

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