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
More than a simple change in the menu, abstinence seeks to promote values such as personal reflection, spiritual discipline, solidarity with those most in need and greater closeness to God.
—
Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Many Christians spend the 40 days between Fat Tuesday and Easter observing Lent, a period of abstinence that most commonly involves giving up meat on Fridays.
—Samantha Nelson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Muslims fast from dusk til dawn, including abstinence from water.
—Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 17 Feb. 2026
Ramadan, the Muslim holy month and a period of prayer, reflection and abstinence, will also begin this week.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Many Christians spend the 40 days between Fat Tuesday and Easter observing Lent, a period of abstinence that most commonly involves giving up meat on Fridays.
—Samantha Nelson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Muslims fast from dusk til dawn, including abstinence from water.
—Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 17 Feb. 2026
Ramadan, the Muslim holy month and a period of prayer, reflection and abstinence, will also begin this week.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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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
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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
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Iran has long refused to give up its enrichment capabilities, insisting the program is intended for peaceful purposes, though in recent years, Iran has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade level, well beyond the purity levels required for most peaceful uses.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
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The result is essentially an arbitrary purity test that tightens capital access necessary for creating American jobs and stimulating local economies.—
Krish O'Mara Vignarajah,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Gunn is in good company in the Hollywood celibacy club.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
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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
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In a nutshell, chastity is the practice of orgasm denial, often through a device like a dedicated cage.—
Mikelle Street,
Them.,
1 Oct. 2025
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The title that has become attached to the painting over time curiously characterizes the Virgin Mary by the fruit, perhaps in recognition of her chastity, especially when considered in the context of Persephone’s myth.—
Demir Alp,
JSTOR Daily,
29 Aug. 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 11 Mar. 2026.
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