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
But the increase in abstinence among younger people may lower the percentages of Americans drinking heavily, because those drinking patterns are somewhat more common in young people, says Brown.
—
Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Considering the all pervasiveness of AI viewing, total AI-abstinence is not a pragmatic approach.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Considering the all pervasiveness of AI viewing, total AI-abstinence is not a pragmatic approach.
—Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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The temperance movement, which aimed to reduce alcohol use, gained steam in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The movie clip reveals how much temperance, humanity, and transcendence Mary Jackson needs to navigate a system that has embedded injustices that few see or understand.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Synthesizing a pencil-size sample in a robotic lab is far from producing tonnes of it at semiconductor purity or certifying it for aircraft use.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Oct. 2025
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The lace in her dress symbolized both wealth and purity, an appealing combination for brides who hoped for prosperous unions.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This assertion that Mary was a child of a well-to-do family might have some historical validity since this text was composed at a time when the poverty and celibacy of the Holy Family had become associated with her nunlike virtue.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
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Sheen is one of a number of celebrities who have been open about going through periods of celibacy.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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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The film turns on Marysia (16) who tries to sell her virginity online.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
13 Oct. 2025
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During the series' first season, Pacey pursues Tamara and eventually loses his virginity to her before the teacher leaves their fictional town of Capeside, Mass.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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