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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for abstain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstain

Verb

Overeem also recalls being released after refusing a 50% pay cut, highlighting a lack of personal relationship with White.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Cornyn and Tillis had refused to back Blanche’s bid for the permanent post without official confirmation killing the fund meant to compensate people who believe they were unfairly prosecuted by the Justice Department.

— Mary Clare Jalonick, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of refuse

Verb

The family’s case was rejected — despite being first and second generation, and despite Pedro Monasterios and his children having been recognized as citizens just a few years earlier.

— Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Recently, the Pulaski County Quorum Court rejected a measure that would have established a 12-month moratorium on new data centers within unincorporated areas of the county.

— Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of reject

Verb

The Anti-Noise League, founded in 1933, led efforts literally to turn down the volume of everyday life.

— Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
The court turned down his bid to impose sanctions for ignoring evidence undermining her claims, saying there’s no evidence of bad faith.

— Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 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

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 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of abstain

verb

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