1
as in temperance
voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
a cleric vainly preaching abstinence in a world where self-indulgence is regarded as almost a virtue
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse
an AIDS-prevention program that relies primarily on abstinence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abstinence
The fasting and abstinence are to practice self-control and come from the original penitence practice of the observation.
—
Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 26 Feb. 2026
Holy Thursday isn't considered a day of fasting or abstinence.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Feb. 2026
Holy Thursday isn't considered a day of fasting or abstinence.
—Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
In this case, there are alternative options that don't have to include total abstinence from eating at a local fish fry.
—John Shumway, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 26 Feb. 2026
Holy Thursday isn't considered a day of fasting or abstinence.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Feb. 2026
Holy Thursday isn't considered a day of fasting or abstinence.
—Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
In this case, there are alternative options that don't have to include total abstinence from eating at a local fish fry.
—John Shumway, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
-
In the case of Steve Jobs, his incredible strength in transcendence tips into excess because it is not supported by other dimensions of character, such as patience, calm, and self-regulation that come from temperance, and the humility and humanity to see other points of view.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
On a single day in 1900, a former schoolteacher destroyed three saloons using bricks, rocks, and a billiard ball—all to advance the cause of temperance.—
The Atlantic Science Desk,
The Atlantic,
27 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Government mints produce gold bullion coins to standardized weights (typically one troy ounce), with strict purity requirements and legal tender status in their home country.—
Sharon Wu,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The series followed the Christian fundamentalist clan who used their television platform to preach purity, modesty and religious devotion.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Gunn is in good company in the Hollywood celibacy club.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
-
As the world outside begins to resemble the full-moon mating frenzy of the opalescent squid, crack open Sylvia Townsend Warner’s 1948 novel about nuns eking out an existence in a 14th-century convent and one night of celibacy might not seem so bad.—
Air Mail,
Air Mail,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
If one revisits the past to dispel myths, one worth dispelling is that of a lost era of chastity.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
18 Feb. 2026
-
In a nutshell, chastity is the practice of orgasm denial, often through a device like a dedicated cage.—
Mikelle Street,
Them.,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Van Winkle’s sign said that bombing for peace was the equivalent of procreating for virginity.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
3 Mar. 2026
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But keeping to the setting's standards of virginity and purity, only widow Violet can get away with it.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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