as in abnegation
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Recent Examples of abstention
Thompson-Hernández’s discreet abstention from stereotypical depictions of poverty and gang life would be notable on its own, but that he de facto replaces them with visions of urban stableman who view horses like healers is a powerful substitution.
—
Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
Accelerating abstention At least a little.
—Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
Violet’s parents had graciously chosen not to read it, which had spared us all a few embarrassing conversations, but their abstention had also deprived me of a cathartic victory over them for not believing in me.
—Andrew Martin, New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2025
Brighton and six others wanted it, but 12 voted against, with one abstention.
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstention
Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
Accelerating abstention At least a little.
—Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2026
Violet’s parents had graciously chosen not to read it, which had spared us all a few embarrassing conversations, but their abstention had also deprived me of a cathartic victory over them for not believing in me.
—Andrew Martin, New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2025
Brighton and six others wanted it, but 12 voted against, with one abstention.
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstention
Noun
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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
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That, for me, feels like an abnegation of our responsibility in theater.—
Sarah Crompton,
Vogue,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Season 1 ends with Alex confronting his trauma and committing to therapy after years of avoidance.—
Essence,
Essence,
18 Mar. 2026
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Last-minute Pentagon opposition recently sabotaged House passage of a bill the Senate passed unanimously to require new collision avoidance technology on both civilian and military aircraft.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The comments section features a piquant blend of solemnity, mortification, tastelessness, and transphobia, which accords with Moreschi’s reception in his lifetime.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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As if unable to resist her own mortification, Leonora asks if the bed is comfortable.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Beyond their asceticism, the six members of the group - Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung - hail from different countries, including the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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Frayne writes that some second- and third-century sects, such as the Encratites, Priscilliantists, and Manicheans, advocated against meat eating, typically as part of a broader asceticism that might also include celibacy.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan, which was struck down by a federal court earlier this month, have been in forbearance since July 2024 as a legal battle played out in courts.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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Here's what to know about the consequences of remaining in the SAVE forbearance — and what your other options are.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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
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On Ash Wednesday, many Christians go to church for a service that emphasizes the start of a season of reflection, self-denial and repentance from sin.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Unfortunately, that’s the cost of frugality, something that will certainly be the hallmark of Sullivan’s first crack at free agency as GM.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
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Off-mountain Activities Vintage Shopping Ketchum has a treasure trove of vintage and second-hand shops, thanks to a culture of quiet luxury that prizes quality, taste, and frugality.—
Denny Lee,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For more than four decades, the Korean immigrant has worked at the shop near Travis Air Force Base, hearing countless stories of loss, sacrifice and heartbreak from military families and service members.—
Kenny Choi,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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What sets them apart is, in exchange for yearly sacrifices in the form of new hires who seem like they won’t be missed, the Virgil’s inhabitants have been granted a conditional immortality that makes the film’s action sequences more fun for a while and then more tedious.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abstention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstention. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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