1
as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse
argued for a pregnancy-prevention program that did not put so much faith in the continence of teenagers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in discipline
the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others
experiencing a moment of unusual continence, I refrained from returning her gratuitous insult
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in restraint
the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions
a religious sect that demanded nearly superhuman continence from its adherents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in temperance
voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
a gambling mecca that has a reputation for being the sort of place where caution and continence are thrown to the wind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of continence
This includes the five major types: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, mixed incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional continence.
—
Jamin Brahmbhatt, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024
Good posture helps maintain continence, support pelvic organs, and reduce back pain.
—Staci Tanouye, Parents, 29 Aug. 2023
Any chance Sally or Ed has anxiety, digestive or continence issues, hearing loss …?
—Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 29 Jan. 2023
To maintain continence, the puborectalis muscle chokes the anal canal.
—Cara Schacter, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2022
But even with the delayed start, most healthy, neurotypical kids achieve at least daytime continence by age three.
—Leah Campbell, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2021
Aging in the modern era is about slow unstoppable loss - of hearing, of memory, of mobility, of continence, of dignity.
—Kyle Munkittrick, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2011
Jamin Brahmbhatt, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024
Good posture helps maintain continence, support pelvic organs, and reduce back pain.
—Staci Tanouye, Parents, 29 Aug. 2023
Any chance Sally or Ed has anxiety, digestive or continence issues, hearing loss …?
—Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 29 Jan. 2023
To maintain continence, the puborectalis muscle chokes the anal canal.
—Cara Schacter, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2022
But even with the delayed start, most healthy, neurotypical kids achieve at least daytime continence by age three.
—Leah Campbell, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2021
Aging in the modern era is about slow unstoppable loss - of hearing, of memory, of mobility, of continence, of dignity.
—Kyle Munkittrick, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2011
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continence
Noun
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Shrines appear on corners, balconies, and walls, quietly imposing ideals of purity, sacrifice, and silence.—
Vogue,
Vogue,
5 Sep. 2025
-
If something challenges your heart and your soul and your mind and your sense of purity of what is right and wrong in the world, then just say no.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Because the threat of discipline exists, that could impact the trade market for Hill.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Suddenly, Rogers was below average at all three core disciplines, and was sent to the Orioles at the trading deadline for prospects Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers.—
Tony Blengino,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Americans for Prosperity ― Ogles' former employer and that of many of his congressional staff ― is a political special interest group that advocates for limited government, free markets and fiscal restraint.—
Vivian Jones,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Enyedi has often made meditative cinema, but here her restraint in some sequences verges on suffocating.—
Leila Latif,
IndieWire,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There are many examples of leaders with weak temperance – being impatient, agitated, and rash.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Eureka Springs, Arkansas The entire downtown of Eureka Springs is part of the National Register of Historic Places: Admire the preserved Victorian architecture and make special note of Hatchet Hall, the former clapboard home of hatchet-wielding temperance movement leader Carry A. Nation.—
Ashlea Halpern,
AFAR Media,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
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
Noun
-
This will raise concerns about prisoners in Russia facing further torture and repressions without scrutiny.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Advertisement Centuries of spiritual repression like this is one reason why so little is known about Black mermaids like Mami Wata.—
Time,
Time,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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Some do it because they are caged for some reason or another and haven’t figured how to pop their cork while in chastity.—
Mikelle Street,
Them.,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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This also supports the idea that swearing can momentarily activate mental states that reduce inhibition and allow the body and mind to perform at a higher level.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Lockwood’s lack of inhibition can lead to trouble.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Continence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continence. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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