ABSTAIN Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

abstain

verb

Definition of abstain

as in to refuse

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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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for abstain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstain

Verb

The report said Evans first refused to give officers his name and then spit into one officer's face after being taken into custody.

— Dale Ellis, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
The prospect of Sean Steur or Lewis Hall — whose contract situation Wilson refused to be drawn on, despite being asked three times — leaving is not something which frightens the hierarchy.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of refuse

Verb

Metcalf credits his unusual durability with an unusual ability to reject himself.

— Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
In 2024, the court rejected an emergency request from Nicaragua to order Germany to halt military and other aid to Israel in Gaza, but the 16-judge panel declined to throw out the case altogether.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of reject

Verb

Most high school students would jump at the chance to go to Columbia, but Hudson Hooper turned down the opportunity to get an Ivy League education to walk on and play football at TCU in 2023.

— Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2026
Parting with Kreider will immediately address Gauthier, whose camp reportedly turned down a four-year extension at an average annual value of $13 million.

— Eric Stephens, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of turn down

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

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absorption

abstain

abstained

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“Abstain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstain. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of abstain

verb

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