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 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 Those fasting must abstain from consuming meat. — Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 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
  • Vehicle stops can be inherently fraught and unpredictable, with the person behind the wheel in control of thousands of pounds of steel that can pose great risk should a driver refuse to comply or simply panic and flee.
    — Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • There was more talk of hitting a provisional, but Spieth refused.
    — Brody Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of refuse
Verb
  • What’s troubling to me, besides the obvious, is the insistence on finding a way to continue to eat animals if your body starts to reject them.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • Energy and shipping companies have loudly rejected a similar idea from Iran, under which ships would pay a toll in order to pass through the critical waterway.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 13 July 2026
Definition of reject
Verb
  • The volume of this beautiful, chaotic music is slowly being turned down.
    — Dana Suskind, Time, 14 July 2026
  • Ricco Ross, who played Private Frost in Aliens, nearly turned down the role for an opportunity to be in Full Metal Jacket, the actor, 68, revealed at Big Lick Comic Con NOVA in 2026, per ComingSoon.
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
Definition of turn down
Verb
  • The French back line hesitated for a brief second, anticipating a potential foul, but Porro pressed the advantage and side-footed a shot past Mike Maignan in the 58th minute for the backbreaking goal.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • Family described him as a kind and humble man who worked hard and never hesitated to help others.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on abstain

Nglish: Translation of abstain for Spanish Speakers

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