ABSTAINING Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

abstaining

verb

present participle of abstain

as in refusing

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstaining

Verb

Rumors circulated that Matthews was refusing to film with Paul, and since May, the two have been fighting online (alongside the rest of MomTok trying to keep the peace, to no avail).

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
Despite backlash from her own party and Republicans, Headen is refusing to drop out of the state race.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of refusing

Verb

In rejecting his release in 2021, Newsom said Davis had continued to minimize his role in the crimes and shown a lack of empathy for his victims.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
The bow-wielding heroine of Brave spends the film rejecting the idea that a princess has to be anything other than herself.

— Sarah Scott, Parents, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of rejecting

Verb

Fertilizer is often bought months ahead of planting, so hesitating in the fall can mean less goes on the ground in the spring.

— Jayash Paudel, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Cueto was known for hesitating while in his pitching motion, or wiggling on the mound.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of hesitating

Verb

In addition to suspending operations on the four existing cameras, the village is delaying installation of the other eight until concerns are addressed.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026
While researchers have made tremendous headway in diagnosing the disease early and delaying symptom onset, a cure remains elusive, and a detailed understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease still has too many gaps.

— Mike McRae September 10, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of delaying

Verb

Parents, students, and educators raised concerns Wednesday night about Broward County Public Schools' proposal to close several schools as the district grapples with declining enrollment and significant funding shortfalls.

— Abby Dodge, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Across the city and the country, declining attendance has idled many religious buildings, often leading to conversions.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of declining

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“Abstaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstaining. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of abstaining

verb

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