celibate

adjective

Definition of celibatenext
as in chaste
not engaging in sexual intercourse celibate monks and nuns They have chosen to lead celibate lives.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of celibate In 1807, the Harmonists took a vow to remain celibate, which required them to build more community houses as the number of unwed society members grew. — Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025 The trailer is riveting and unsettling – just as the celibate Shakers were to the average observer during their American emergence in the 1780s. — Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025 And celibacy, as Christ was celibate. — Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 For many traditionalists, effective enforcement of this teaching would mean cracking down on homosexuality among the clergy, including gay clergy who are celibate and chaste. — Massimo Faggioli, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2018 See All Example Sentences for celibate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibate
  1. chaste
  2. abstinent
  3. unmarried
  4. virginal
  5. innocent
  6. virgin
Adjective
  • Then there was the rather chaste kiss on Evans’s show late last year.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2026
  • Deadhead your chaste tree in late winter to promote flowering in the spring and summer months.
    — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
Definition of chaste
Adjective
  • One of the sacrifices Dolan mentioned in his speech was staying abstinent.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • 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
Definition of abstinent
Adjective
  • In 2022, households headed by single mothers had median wealth of $10,700, compared with $87,200 among households headed by unmarried women without children under 18.
    — Kristin Vance Richards, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • But the share of younger, unmarried gym members without kids is growing.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Definition of unmarried
Adjective
  • Sam neglects the standards of his profession to protect women who Cady could hurt, especially someone like Sam’s virginal teen daughter, Dani.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • Brides were expected, in most cultures at various points in history, to be virginal, pure and dedicated to their husbands.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Definition of virginal
Adjective
  • Petticrew broke out stateside by playing IRA activist Dolours Price, a woman whose understandable aggrievement led her to harm innocent civilians as well as herself.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 27 July 2026
  • Killing children and other innocent Palestinians, then stealing land under a false prophecy is not defending Israel.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026
Definition of innocent
Adjective
  • Alongside the app’s disappointment in the brand’s choice to use virgin polyester in its design--which, unlike recycled polyester, has not been previously used--the biggest issue Good On You found with the brand was its lack of transparency.
    — Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Manufacturers often continue specifying virgin materials because their performance is well understood, while comparable data for recycled alternatives remain limited.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026
Definition of virgin

Browse Nearby Words

celibacy
celibate
cell
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Cite this Entry

“Celibate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celibate. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on celibate

Nglish: Translation of celibate for Spanish Speakers

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