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
Millions of Muslims around the world every year observe Ramadan, a period of prayer, reflection and abstinence that coincides with the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
—
Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
Keeping Your Liver Healthy The World Health Organization recommends abstinence from alcohol, stating that no amount of alcohol is considered safe.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2026
So why do abstinence-only models remain so prominent?
—Gwilym Roddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
Keeping Your Liver Healthy The World Health Organization recommends abstinence from alcohol, stating that no amount of alcohol is considered safe.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2026
So why do abstinence-only models remain so prominent?
—Gwilym Roddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
-
The temperance, abolition, and civil-rights movements in America were all motivated in part by religious convictions.—
Luis Parrales,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
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Then, strong reform and radical movements to abolish slavery and to advocate for world peace, temperance, and women’s suffrage flourished.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Our legislators need to get back to recognizing that they are not elected for their party affiliation or to meet the ideological purity tests of their donors, but rather to solve the problems of the people that reside in our great state.—
Jayden D'Onofrio,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
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Tapping into the soft skills that for millennia have allowed women to profit outside the bounds of conventional economy, the tradwife offers a vision of purity to her online audience in exchange for engagement and direct or indirect income.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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With few exceptions, most priests also take a vow of celibacy (married men can become priests in Eastern Rite churches).—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Gunn is in good company in the Hollywood celibacy club.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 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
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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
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 15 Apr. 2026.
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