as in ascetic
given to or marked by restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
grew up in a family where abstinent behavior was expected and self-indulgence of any kind was scorned and castigated
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Recent Examples of abstinent
Like Ash Wednesday, Good Friday is a day where Catholics are obliged to fast and stay abstinent throughout the day until midnight.
—
Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2026
At the end of six months, those who had taken just one dose of psilocybin had more than six times greater odds of being abstinent from cigarettes than their counterparts who relied on the nicotine substitute.
—Will Stone, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026
Some people want to remain abstinent to focus on their own personal growth, while others have resorted to it after becoming frustrated with today's dating culture.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
Ivan Neville has been on a few times and always talks being abstinent.
—Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
As a purist, Murray defines sobriety as being completely abstinent from habit-forming substances that could cause dependency, including prescription drugs like Xanax and Suboxone.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 23 Sep. 2025
Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2026
At the end of six months, those who had taken just one dose of psilocybin had more than six times greater odds of being abstinent from cigarettes than their counterparts who relied on the nicotine substitute.
—Will Stone, NPR, 10 Mar. 2026
Some people want to remain abstinent to focus on their own personal growth, while others have resorted to it after becoming frustrated with today's dating culture.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
Ivan Neville has been on a few times and always talks being abstinent.
—Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
As a purist, Murray defines sobriety as being completely abstinent from habit-forming substances that could cause dependency, including prescription drugs like Xanax and Suboxone.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 23 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinent
Adjective
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The first follows the Rajput king Ratansen of Chitor (a fortress in what is now Chittorgarh, Rajasthan), who renounces his throne and travels as a yogi (wandering ascetic) to the island kingdom of Simhal to win the legendary Padmavati.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
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Housed in a bulletproof case, the delicate bones reveal the saint’s ascetic life while strict security protects relics from historical theft.—
Nicole Winfield,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Lunchtimes are more abstemious with avocado and tuna packed poke bowls and watermelon salad at the W lounge.—
Jemima Sissons,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Jan. 2026
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His first term now looks practically abstemious.—
Erin Neil,
New Yorker,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Creeping Phlox Also known as moss phlox, creeping phlox is a native perennial that offers profuse blooms in shades of white, pink, purple, and red as soon as early April in temperate climates.—
Alexandra Jones,
The Spruce,
9 Apr. 2026
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Tour more than a dozen outdoor gardens, including an herb garden, children's garden, and rose garden; tropical and temperate plants thrive in the 17,500-square-foot conservatory.—
Ashlyn Ware,
Midwest Living,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Best-case scenario, addicts are sent to rehab and emerge clean and sober.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
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The judge said his top priority was ensuring Delisle was in a position to remain sober.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The San Jose Sharks missed an opportunity Tuesday to finish a cross-continent road trip on a positive note and make up some ground in their bid for a playoff spot.—
Curtis Pashelka,
Mercury News,
18 Mar. 2026
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Recent developments include cross-continent robotic surgeries between Rome and Beijing.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abstinent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinent. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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