abstainers

Definition of abstainersnext
plural of abstainer
as in nondrinkers
a person who abstains from alcoholic beverages for religious reasons she's been a total abstainer her entire life

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 abstainers Heavier drinkers had higher mortality than lighter drinkers, but the study excluded lifelong abstainers — many of whom stop drinking because of illness or medication use. Robert M. Kaplan, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstainers
Noun
  • Those studies, however, focused on older people and didn’t differentiate between former drinkers and lifelong nondrinkers, thus potentially skewing the results, study authors said.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
  • With more than half of Gen Z claiming to be alcohol-free and 49 percent of Americans reportedly trying to drink less, wine regions are striving to craft experiences for nondrinkers.
    Sarah Khan, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Americans are drinking less than ever—and a growing share are teetotalers.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Jan. 2026
  • In recent years, bars across the city have started offering mocktails and non-alcoholic beer and wine so teetotalers aren't limited to soda water and lime.
    Data Reporter, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abstainers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstainers. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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