abstained

verb

past tense of abstain
as in refused

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstained
  1. refused
  2. rejected
  3. turned down
  4. hesitated
  5. temporized
Verb
  • Starlink’s satellite internet has launched in around two dozen other African countries, but Musk has refused to follow South Africa’s affirmative action regulations.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, Jay Clayton refused to acknowledge Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election during his confirmation hearing to become director of national intelligence.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of refused
Verb
  • If it is outright rejected and people burn down the theaters, cool.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 22 July 2026
  • The lawsuit also claims that when the same group offered $100,000 to fund a study looking into whether the transition was needed and whether other options were available, the school rejected the proposal.
    — Chaewon Chung July 22, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of rejected
Verb
  • Unlike calling it from another phone, the find feature rings loud and clear, even if the ringer is turned down or the phone is in silent mode.
    — Larry Magid, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
  • Also a strong student at the school, Harmon turned down pro football offers to pursue acting.
    — Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
Definition of turned down
Verb
  • When asked if Airbnbs are legal at The Club, Alvarez hesitated.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of hesitated
Verb
  • Assad lied and temporized, the official said.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of temporized
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.

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abstain
abstained
abstained (from)
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on abstained

Nglish: Translation of abstained for Spanish Speakers

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