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 state has been steering school districts toward programs that focus mainly on abstinence.
—
Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Sources also detailed how Tait had allegedly long abused drugs and alcohol, despite years of encouraging sobriety and abstinence in his music.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 June 2025
The six books below describe other forms of abundance found, counterintuitively, through abstinence.
—Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
This is what makes asexuality different from celibacy or abstinence.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Sources also detailed how Tait had allegedly long abused drugs and alcohol, despite years of encouraging sobriety and abstinence in his music.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 June 2025
The six books below describe other forms of abundance found, counterintuitively, through abstinence.
—Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
This is what makes asexuality different from celibacy or abstinence.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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Eureka Springs, Arkansas The entire downtown of Eureka Springs is part of the National Register of Historic Places: Admire the preserved Victorian architecture and make special note of Hatchet Hall, the former clapboard home of hatchet-wielding temperance movement leader Carry A. Nation.—
Ashlea Halpern,
AFAR Media,
1 Aug. 2025
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For example, individuals developing temperance typically find that dimensions such as humanity stress temperance when people become impatient with others, given weaknesses in their empathy and compassion.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
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That money shifts college sports even further away from purity and closer to payola.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Aug. 2025
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Specifically saying these white, thin, traditionally feminine bodies are not just aspirational but symbols of morality, tradition, purity.—
Mekishana Pierre,
EW.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
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Buddhist monks in China have traditionally been expected to take a vow of celibacy.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
28 July 2025
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Sky News reported that the Thai government has now vowed to expand its investigation as concern about monks breaking celibacy vows has grown across the country.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
17 July 2025
Noun
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The Sisters of Mercy are an international community of Roman Catholic women who dedicate their lives to the Gospel of Jesus and take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
2 July 2025
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The residents of the house had taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.—
Raul A. Reyes,
NBC news,
29 June 2025
Noun
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Rosie O’Donnell as a nun losing her virginity to Cynthia Nixon’s Miranda this season?—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Han made a change to that storyline in season 2, when Belly lost her virginity to Conrad in front of the fireplace at the Cousins house.—
Julia Moore,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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