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
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The temperance, abolition, and civil-rights movements in America were all motivated in part by religious convictions.—
Luis Parrales,
The Atlantic,
31 Mar. 2026
-
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
-
The column gossiped about which journalists and pundits did not pass the new purity test.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
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These were easier to produce, and, imbued with the Shaker reputation for purity, were as good as gold.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
4 May 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
-
Augustinians also take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.—
Peter Wehner,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
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Having spent much of his adult life in the Order of St Augustine, whose friars and sisters take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience with a focus on unity and community, his priorities are unity and building bridges.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Her film How to Have Sex chronicles a post-exam girls’ trip to the Greek island of Crete, where three British teens set out to lose their virginity amid nonstop partying.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2026
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What was your reaction to the scene in which Niall loses his virginity to Mona, played by Charlotte Blackwood, while Ruben is in the room?—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
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