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
Relevance
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
The American Heart Association guidelines recommend abstinence, or at least decreasing alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for everyone to prevent or treat high blood pressure.
—
Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2026
While the ultimate goal remains getting people off drugs, immediate abstinence isn’t required for help to be provided.
—Albert Chern, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
While abstinence from drugs is the only way to prevent overdose, testing can help decrease the risk of overdose when used in concert with other harm reduction strategies.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Second, when deciding between abstinence and occasional light drinking, the most relevant comparison for me is between people who drink lightly and those who never drink.
—Robert M. Kaplan, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2026
While the ultimate goal remains getting people off drugs, immediate abstinence isn’t required for help to be provided.
—Albert Chern, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
While abstinence from drugs is the only way to prevent overdose, testing can help decrease the risk of overdose when used in concert with other harm reduction strategies.
—Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Second, when deciding between abstinence and occasional light drinking, the most relevant comparison for me is between people who drink lightly and those who never drink.
—Robert M. Kaplan, STAT, 1 Jan. 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 had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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At number two was PeptideSciences, a producer of high-purity peptides available in liquid and capsule forms, intended solely for research purposes.—
Noor Lobad,
Footwear News,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Nearly three centuries later, the Shaker founder could become an unlikely icon for Gen Z, who are bringing celibacy back in staggeringly high numbers, according to a slew of recent studies.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
24 Jan. 2026
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Their number grew while the utopian community lived in New Harmony thanks to a celibacy edict put in place by their founder George Rapp in 1807.—
Domenica Bongiovanni,
IndyStar,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
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 9 Feb. 2026.
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