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
  • Not everybody needs to spend the rest of their life totally abstinent with a cup of shitty coffee in a Styrofoam cup regurgitating platitudes.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • One of the sacrifices Dolan mentioned in his speech was staying abstinent.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
Definition of abstinent
Adjective
  • Still unmarried at his death, he was widely seen as Uganda’s most eligible bachelor.
    — Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Norwegians are unmarried, divorced, families, and old couples.
    — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of unmarried
Adjective
  • The female figures of the Three Graces represent the literal gift of a woman giving her virginal body to a man as property bestowed upon a new owner.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Kris and Billy watch that one together in an intimate sleepover, sinking into the murky texture of a scene in which the virginal actor allowed a jerk to take off her clothes.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of virginal
Adjective
  • For example, everyone on the boat and probably innocent citizens in Dubrovnik can tell that Kat and Cooper are still an item.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Clancy has not been convicted and remains innocent until proven guilty.
    — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of innocent
Adjective
  • These include the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients such as tomatoes and onions, soft cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, basil, garlic, and oregano.
    — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The analysis also does not separately assess whether a product’s polyester is virgin or recycled, an important distinction when interpreting the brand rankings.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of virgin

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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 13 Sep. 2026.

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