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
  • In our family, my unmarried adult daughter — who sometimes works nights — voluntarily gave my husband the ability to track her phone, just to ease our minds.
    — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The unmarried former nurse handled situations that the city government believed needed a woman's delicate touch.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of unmarried
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of virginal
Adjective
  • Neighbors were upset that an innocent woman was gunned down, and reflected on the senseless matter of her death.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Cathy is just such a monster, in the guise of a beautiful, innocent girl—according to Steinbeck, anyway.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of innocent
Adjective
  • That’s a lot of virgin oak in the mix, which adds an intensity of flavor compared to used barrels, and each type of wood is meant to bring different notes to the palate.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Extra virgin olive oil contains healthy fats and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of obesity, heart disease, and cancer.
    — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on celibate

Nglish: Translation of celibate for Spanish Speakers

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