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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abstinence
While long-term abstinence can help, experts say some impairments may be only partially reversible, depending on how long and how much alcohol was consumed.
—
Sandee Lamotte,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
These bouts of abstinence and punishment would work for a while but, like garden weeds, the pounds would always come back.
—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
The podcaster, who's currently expecting a baby with husband Matt Howard, spoke on the Friday, April 3, episode of her Always Here podcast about her wedding night and what her experience with abstinence was like.
—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
The norms concerning meat abstinence apply to members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onward, and the norms of fasting are obligatory for Catholic followers aged 18 through 59, according to the conference.
—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Sandee Lamotte,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
These bouts of abstinence and punishment would work for a while but, like garden weeds, the pounds would always come back.
—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
The podcaster, who's currently expecting a baby with husband Matt Howard, spoke on the Friday, April 3, episode of her Always Here podcast about her wedding night and what her experience with abstinence was like.
—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
The norms concerning meat abstinence apply to members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onward, and the norms of fasting are obligatory for Catholic followers aged 18 through 59, according to the conference.
—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda,
AZCentral.com,
26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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In the winter of 1920, the United States entered Prohibition in the United States after years of campaigning by temperance groups who believed alcohol sat at the root of many social ills.
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Another was promoting temperance realizing alcoholism could destroy families.
Noun
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The report concluded that gummies face stability challenges and that powders remain the more reliable format for hitting a clinical dose, with strong purity and low degradation across the brands tested.
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Due to Chantal’s philosophy of minimal intervention and restrained oak aging, the purity of the fruit, complex savory notes derived from the fractured sandstone soils, and a subtle hint of salinity ran through all of the wines.
Noun
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The Eternal Values promise Mierers lured followers in with discussions of enlightenment and mental clarity, often revolving around diet, exercise, celibacy, and the willingness to give up material possessions.
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The group encouraged awareness and emotional discipline, discouraged alcohol and drugs, and demanded celibacy in its early years.
Noun
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Homer approves equally of the man’s satisfactions and the woman’s chastity.
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Youth media had a specific fixation on virginity and chastity just then.
Noun
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Percy both has her first kiss and loses her virginity with him in the book, something Harris was deliberate in changing.
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Youth media had a specific fixation on virginity and chastity just then.
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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