as in ascetic
given to or marked by restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
obviously not for the self-abnegating vacationer, this luxury resort is for those whose budgets and appetites know no limit
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Recent Examples of self-abnegating
One of the West’s most glaring vulnerabilities to the influence of Russia—and China and Iran—is Hungary’s self-abnegating obeisance to those countries.
—
Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
The president was characteristically decent and self-abnegating in his remarks.
—Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 25 July 2024
Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
The president was characteristically decent and self-abnegating in his remarks.
—Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 25 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-abnegating
Adjective
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The bulk of the album has been painted with a similarly ascetic palette.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
6 Jan. 2026
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Despite his limitations, Joe displayed an impressive degree of ascetic discipline and a ravenous desire for God.—
Christian Wiman,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Some have evolved exceedingly specific diets—diets that would put even the most abstemious human to shame.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
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The solution offered up by some: the sort of abstemious, low-fat, often vegetarian, diets that had been prescribed as lust-control regimens only decades earlier.—
Rachel Hope Cleves / Made by History,
TIME,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Luckily, living in the South lends itself to year-round coastal getaways thanks to our temperate climate.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
19 Jan. 2026
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It’s made from a stretchy, breathable fabric that will keep you comfy and temperate (a must for travelers who worry about overheating), and the snug fit is effortlessly flattering when worn with anything from leggings to a baggy pair of jeans.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Self-abnegating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-abnegating. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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