Definition of self-abnegatingnext
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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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 self-abnegating Mothers are often criticized or belittled for acting selflessly; it’s seen as weak and self-abnegating. Danielle Crittenden, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-abnegating
Adjective
  • And there were posters tearing apart his otherworldly self-projection as a fakir, or ascetic, depicting him in his monogrammed suits, designer sunglasses, and aircraft.
    Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Then, over the following years, came sustainability and strict reuse and ascetic renunciation, and today, finally, its photo series and articles advocated for a mild, slightly quirky anticapitalist metaphysics.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Lunchtimes are more abstemious with avocado and tuna packed poke bowls and watermelon salad at the W lounge.
    Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
  • His first term now looks practically abstemious.
    Erin Neil, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That has a stronger impact in ecosystems like Canada’s boreal forests, California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and parts of temperate Europe that evolved under relatively cool, moist conditions.
    Bloomberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Much of the Bay Area is set to see sizzling summer weather this weekend as temperatures hit the triple digits, but coastal areas will mostly avoid the swelter with much more temperate conditions.
    Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Self-abnegating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-abnegating. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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