Synonyms of celibacy

celibacy

noun

ˈse-lə-bə-sē 

as in purity

abstention from sexual intercourse

a widower who has maintained absolute celibacy since the death of his wife

Synonyms & Similar Words

• purity
• chastity
• abstinence
• virginity
• continence
• chasteness
• virtue
• innocence
• modesty
• honor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• debauchery
• licentiousness
• lechery
• whoring
• venery
• wenching

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of celibacy

With few exceptions, most priests also take a vow of celibacy (married men can become priests in Eastern Rite churches). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026

Gunn is in good company in the Hollywood celibacy club. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026

As the world outside begins to resemble the full-moon mating frenzy of the opalescent squid, crack open Sylvia Townsend Warner’s 1948 novel about nuns eking out an existence in a 14th-century convent and one night of celibacy might not seem so bad. — Air Mail, 14 Feb. 2026

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