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
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
Traditional Lenten food Lenten eating habits revolve strongly around the abstinence of meat, particularly on Fridays, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday.
—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
They are sought out by patients who want to stop inhaling smoke, who can’t tolerate withdrawal, or who have failed repeatedly with abstinence-only approaches.
—Timothy Vermillion, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Samantha Nelson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Traditional Lenten food Lenten eating habits revolve strongly around the abstinence of meat, particularly on Fridays, Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday.
—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
They are sought out by patients who want to stop inhaling smoke, who can’t tolerate withdrawal, or who have failed repeatedly with abstinence-only approaches.
—Timothy Vermillion, New York Daily News, 3 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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On the other hand, gold bars that aren't from certified refiners may be harder to sell and could require assay testing to verify their purity.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
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These factors create wines with vibrant acidity, intense aromatics and exceptional varietal purity, according to the Cihlars.—
Michael Johnson,
Twin Cities,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
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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
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Ferrer, who played the 16-year-old version of Lively’s character, testified that Baldoni made an inappropriate remark while directing the scene in which her character loses her virginity.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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