as in refuses
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Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstains
Verb
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Cutting Through Rocks is an intimate portrait of Shahverdi's fight for women's rights in a patriarchal society that refuses to acknowledge their right to exist safely and independently.—
Davi Merchan,
NPR,
4 Mar. 2026 -
At the same time, his office refuses to answer questions about the probe.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This trend rejects rigidity in favor of free-form seating that doesn't box users in and force them into prescribed spots.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
4 Mar. 2026
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The president’s war on Iran is contrary to the Constitution and rejects safeguards in our republican federation.—
William J Watkins Jr,
Oc Register,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Sentimental Value stars Stellan Skarsgård as an aging film director whose attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughters Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) are made difficult after Nora turns down a part in his next movie.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
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And of course, with TV contracts, no one ever turns down the money.—
Stewart Mandel,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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If a planner hesitates or hedges on this question, consider that a red flag.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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When pressed on what a new economic system for the age of AGI might look like, Hunter-Torricke hesitates.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
17 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Abstains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstains. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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