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
At the state level, some California Democrats have pushed legislation to amend the state’s housing first policy to allow more funding for abstinence-only treatment centers and sober living homes.
—
Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2025
The governmental obsession with abstinence was a purely American phenomenon.
—Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
After announcing his abstinence from alcohol, Hamilton then partnered with Casa Lumbre co-founder and master distiller Iván Saldaña in October 2023.
—Logan Holland, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Public speakers at the meeting generally expressed opposition to the curriculum’s inclusion of certain topics, including gender identity and methods of birth control other than abstinence.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2025
The governmental obsession with abstinence was a purely American phenomenon.
—Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
After announcing his abstinence from alcohol, Hamilton then partnered with Casa Lumbre co-founder and master distiller Iván Saldaña in October 2023.
—Logan Holland, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Public speakers at the meeting generally expressed opposition to the curriculum’s inclusion of certain topics, including gender identity and methods of birth control other than abstinence.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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There are many examples of leaders with weak temperance – being impatient, agitated, and rash.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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Eureka Springs, Arkansas The entire downtown of Eureka Springs is part of the National Register of Historic Places: Admire the preserved Victorian architecture and make special note of Hatchet Hall, the former clapboard home of hatchet-wielding temperance movement leader Carry A. Nation.—
Ashlea Halpern,
AFAR Media,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Shrines appear on corners, balconies, and walls, quietly imposing ideals of purity, sacrifice, and silence.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
5 Sep. 2025
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If something challenges your heart and your soul and your mind and your sense of purity of what is right and wrong in the world, then just say no.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Shakers — only two members remain, largely due to the sect’s dedication to celibacy — became known for their utilitarian design and architecture that prioritized functionality, simplicity and craftsmanship.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
22 Aug. 2025
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And celibacy, as Christ was celibate.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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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
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Some do it because they are caged for some reason or another and haven’t figured how to pop their cork while in chastity.—
Mikelle Street,
Them.,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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That was when all that curriculum hit the market, and all of a sudden there was a way to package virginity and sell it.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
1 Sep. 2025
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Her lawsuit includes an allegation that Baldoni added a scene to the film in which Young Lily loses her virginity.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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