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
Needless to say, their obsession with celibacy didn’t catch on, and may explain why the Shakers all but died out in recent times.
—
Damon Wise, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025
The Shakers — only two members remain, largely due to the sect’s dedication to celibacy — became known for their utilitarian design and architecture that prioritized functionality, simplicity and craftsmanship.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
And celibacy, as Christ was celibate.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Frayne writes that some second- and third-century sects, such as the Encratites, Priscilliantists, and Manicheans, advocated against meat eating, typically as part of a broader asceticism that might also include celibacy.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celibacy
Damon Wise, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025
The Shakers — only two members remain, largely due to the sect’s dedication to celibacy — became known for their utilitarian design and architecture that prioritized functionality, simplicity and craftsmanship.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
And celibacy, as Christ was celibate.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025
Frayne writes that some second- and third-century sects, such as the Encratites, Priscilliantists, and Manicheans, advocated against meat eating, typically as part of a broader asceticism that might also include celibacy.
—Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celibacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibacy
Noun
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Many of the efforts to help kids navigate social media are sold with the throwback language of abstinence and purity.—
Kaitlyn Tiffany,
The Atlantic,
17 Oct. 2025
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By flouting all conventions in the face of rock and roll and making a mellifluous spectacle of the music that moved through his body like a thought from God, Jarrett has become a peerless symbol of artistic purity, his talent singular, his every note sui generis.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
17 Oct. 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
-
Since a key tenet of the Shakers was lifelong abstinence, those numbers have naturally dwindled.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
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The Catholic Church believes intercourse should only happen between married couples and teaches abstinence for all others.—
Ladan Anoushfar,
CNN Money,
1 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Celibacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celibacy. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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