abstention

noun

Definition of abstentionnext
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 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 The Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) voted on Thursday 8-6 in favor of the move with one abstention. — Sony Salzman, ABC News, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for abstention
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstention
  1. abnegation
  2. avoidance
  3. mortification
  4. asceticism
  5. forbearance
  6. self-denial
  7. frugality
  8. sacrifice
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
  • With smarter obstacle avoidance, self-emptying docks, and mopping pads that actually scrub, today’s cleaning bots deliver an instant quality-of-life upgrade.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026
  • This is needed for things like orbit corrections, station-keeping, attitude control, and collision avoidance.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 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
  • In the face of fresh crisis, belief veered towards asceticism and sometimes mysticism.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026
  • Just books and plays, and an asceticism associated with the priests Jim would often play.
    — Carl Kurlander, Deadline, 13 June 2026
Definition of asceticism
Noun
  • Deferment and forbearance options are available for eligible borrowers experiencing financial hardship.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 29 Sep. 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
  • In real life, Andrew’s frugality drove a wedge between him and his daughters.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • His frugality has been well-documented, and his refusal to treat Blazers operations like an NBA team rather than an NHL one is concerning.
    — Zach Harper, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of frugality
Noun
  • Training to become a top-tier classical dancer demands discipline and sacrifice anywhere.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • While her brother is torn between his sister and power, a devastating secret will reveal that neither resistance nor sacrifice is enough to stop oblivion.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of sacrifice

Browse Nearby Words

abstemiousness
abstention
abstentious
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Cite this Entry

“Abstention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstention. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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