as in refuses
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstains
Verb
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Russia demands Ukraine cede eastern territory and renounce NATO membership; Kyiv refuses to surrender land without security guarantees.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026 -
The New York mayor acknowledges that tax hikes are painful but refuses to meaningfully cut spending.—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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My child automatically rejects paying for parking, especially when there are other options.—
Harvey Levine,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
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Hunter-Torricke rejects these criticisms.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
17 Feb. 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 someone hesitates, give them time to respond, because shared goals deserve space for honest input.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Jan. 2026
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Poppy initially hesitates but ends up apologizing to Sarah, admitting that her deep connection with Alex had gotten in the way of her relationship.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Abstains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstains. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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