ABSTENTION Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

abstention

noun

Definition of abstention

as in abnegation

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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 abstention The claim was allowed to stand because it was filed in a civil action outside the scope of church control, meaning that the abstention doctrine did not apply, the appeals court justices wrote. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026 Regardless, that was voted down 12 to seven, with one abstention. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 On Thursday, the DNC’s resolution committee approved the abolish ICE initiative in a 25-12 vote with one abstention. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2026 The legislation passed with four votes in favor and one abstention Wednesday. — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abstention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstention

Noun

Not one for false abnegation of words distorted by smears, Rushdie doubles down on his right to freedom of expression, defending his dissent from religious orthodoxy.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026
That, for me, feels like an abnegation of our responsibility in theater.

— Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026

Definition of abnegation

Noun

When a conjunction is probable, SSA/STC service providers alert the operators involved, who then decide whether to undertake a collision-avoidance maneuver.

— David Zamora, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026
In the very early days of COVID-19, millions who'd rarely thought twice about germ avoidance became germophobes.

— Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of avoidance

Noun

Despite the Warriors operating with a pathetic sense of self-mortification — bending over backward for the mere possibility the King might grace them with his presence — the power of friendship wasn’t enough to lure James to the Bay.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
Now fully convinced of Broadwater’s innocence, Sebold looks back on the entire episode with deep mortification.

— Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026

Definition of mortification

Noun

Edly also offers deferment and forbearance options for eligible borrowers facing financial hardship.

— Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
The legislation will expand the mortgage forbearance window available by law for Los Angeles wildfire survivors from 12 months to 24.

— Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of forbearance

Noun

Automatic contributions, delayed payment windows, small rituals that add friction to impulse spending — these are all behavioral architecture moves, not acts of self-denial.

— Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
At the beginning of her relationship with John, Carolyn’s central problem was that being part of the Kennedy family demanded some level of self-denial.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026

Definition of self-denial

Noun

Consider the late Queen Elizabeth II wearing chartreuse to stand out in a crowd, or Princess Anne signaling a paradoxical lesson in royal frugality by rewearing a 42-year-old dress.

— Eva Wolchover, Vanity Fair, 13 Oct. 2026
Tom’s frugality also lured Nancy into the business on the pretense of spending more time together.

— Tim Graham, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of frugality

Noun

Team owner James Dolan promised rings to the players' significant others as well, highlighting that the support and sacrifices of the players' partners during last season's playoffs were vital to securing the title.

— Otis Livingston, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Watching the Taliban regain power called into question the meaning of their sacrifice, and the government’s difficulty evacuating Afghan comrades who had fought with them felt like a betrayal.

— Azadeh Moaveni, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of sacrifice

Browse Nearby Words

abstemiousness

abstention

abstentious

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“Abstention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstention. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of abstention

noun

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