Thesaurus results for CELIBATE

celibate

adjective

Definition of celibate

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 And, if not, are his only options to be forever celibate or to be raped? — S. C. Cornell, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for celibate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibate

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

The body of research on non-abstinent recovery has been growing as well.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of abstinent

Adjective

Rama informs her of his marital status and playfully directs her to Lakshmana, presenting him as unmarried.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Graham was originally appointed to fill her unmarried brother’s seat as a placeholder after his sudden death last summer.

— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of unmarried

Adjective

For her portrayal of the virginal Catholic girl who persuades Terry to take a stand and make something of himself, Saint won the best supporting actress Oscar in 1955.

— Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of virginal

Adjective

Powered by ultra-purified virgin olive oil made in Italy, these products are free from parabens and sulfates and are great for all skin types.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026
Legendary Christian saint and virgin martyr who is venerated as the patron saint of breast cancer patients and of various localities in Italy and elsewhere.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of virgin

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celibacy

celibate

cell

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“Celibate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celibate. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of celibate

adjective

Example Sentences

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