as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse
a widower who has maintained absolute celibacy since the death of his wife
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Recent Examples of celibacy
Foundational Shaker beliefs, such as celibacy and gender equality, were incompatible with the outside world, so Lee’s followers built their own.
—
Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025
While in prison for blasphemy, Lee had a risqué vision of Adam and Eve, and concluded that celibacy was the cure for worldly temptation.
—Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
But many outsiders were also alarmed by their ritual dances, whose intensity and emotion demonstrated a physicality seemingly incongruous with their celibacy.
—Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025
Omarion has been very open about his intense celibacy experience in the past, previously discussing it last summer during a sit-down with the Know Thyself podcast.
—Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celibacy
Lila Allen, Architectural Digest, 26 Dec. 2025
While in prison for blasphemy, Lee had a risqué vision of Adam and Eve, and concluded that celibacy was the cure for worldly temptation.
—Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
But many outsiders were also alarmed by their ritual dances, whose intensity and emotion demonstrated a physicality seemingly incongruous with their celibacy.
—Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025
Omarion has been very open about his intense celibacy experience in the past, previously discussing it last summer during a sit-down with the Know Thyself podcast.
—Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celibacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibacy
Noun
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On the other hand, gold bars that aren't from certified refiners may be harder to sell and could require assay testing to verify their purity.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2026
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These factors create wines with vibrant acidity, intense aromatics and exceptional varietal purity, according to the Cihlars.—
Michael Johnson,
Twin Cities,
23 Feb. 2026
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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Holy Thursday isn't considered a day of fasting or abstinence.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
22 Feb. 2026
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Holy Thursday isn't considered a day of fasting or abstinence.—
Marina Johnson,
IndyStar,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Celibacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celibacy. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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