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
Profligate spending under George W. Bush forever made laughable any Republican assertion of fiscal continence.
—Christopher Buckley, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2022
Any chance Sally or Ed has anxiety, digestive or continence issues, hearing loss …?
—Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 29 Jan. 2023
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
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
Share prices have soared for large Danish health companies such as Coloplast — a major player in the market for colostomy pouches, continence and skin and wound care treatments — and Genmab, a biotech company specializing in cancer treatments.
—Matt Phillips, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2020
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
Profligate spending under George W. Bush forever made laughable any Republican assertion of fiscal continence.
—Christopher Buckley, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2022
Any chance Sally or Ed has anxiety, digestive or continence issues, hearing loss …?
—Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 29 Jan. 2023
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
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
Share prices have soared for large Danish health companies such as Coloplast — a major player in the market for colostomy pouches, continence and skin and wound care treatments — and Genmab, a biotech company specializing in cancer treatments.
—Matt Phillips, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continence
Noun
-
Iranian leaders announced that the country would start enriching uranium to 60 percent purity.—
Vali Nasr,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Aug. 2025
-
The minister’s renown was not insignificant, with both proponents and those less keen about his ideas of achieving moral purity through food.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Kobe Bryant’s greatness was the product of preparation, discipline, and the right mindset.—
True Tamplin,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Senate Bill 37 requires public colleges and universities to abolish their faculty associations as currently structured and gives the chancellors and trustees more power over faculty discipline, hiring and curriculum.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Moderates favor easing tensions with Western and regional powers, while hard-liners insist any agreement include concrete guarantees of mutual restraint.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Those loud, colorful prints align with hip-hop’s aversion to restraint, to sameness even.—
Essence,
Essence,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
For example, someone with high drive and low temperance may experience burnout arising from a relentless pursuit of perfection.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
Her followers marched in drinking institutions and demanded change and many of the disgruntled or bullied patrons signed statements of temperance.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
These figures became my family during my celibacy, and still feel that way.—
Sarah Viren
June 4,
Literary Hub,
4 June 2025
-
Buddhist monks in China have traditionally been expected to take a vow of celibacy.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands are fleeing repression under President Daniel Ortega and co-President Rosario Murillo, who have consolidated control and dismantled civil society.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Aug. 2025
-
This policy has been established by the regime to cover up its total failure in the 12-day war by intensifying repression across the country, particularly targeting members of the main opposition group, the NCRI, as well as ethnic minorities and Afghan refugees.—
Jila Andalib,
Hartford Courant,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
Like Saint Augustine, Republicans want chastity and continence -- but not yet.—
Michael F. Cannon,
National Review,
2 July 2025
-
The Sisters of Mercy are an international community of Roman Catholic women who dedicate their lives to the Gospel of Jesus and take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
2 July 2025
Noun
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That May Stave Off Disease Alzheimer's: Scientists Discover What Sparks Disease Arthritis Treatment Reduces Painful Flare-Ups, Slows Disease Illustration representing inhibition of protein complex 'mTORC1' by rapamycin leading to immunosuppression for a tumor.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
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The most recognizable symptoms are a loss of social inhibition, inappropriate behavior, and lack of self-care.—
Heidi Moawad,
Verywell Health,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Continence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continence. Accessed 1 Sep. 2025.
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