Synonyms of self-denial

self-denial

noun

ˌself-di-ˈnī(-ə)l 

1

as in refusal

the act or practice of giving up or rejecting something once enjoyed or desired

dieting is an endless exercise in self-denial

Synonyms & Similar Words

• refusal
• denial
• renunciation
• abnegation
• renouncement
• repudiation
• surrender
• relinquishment
• resignation
• self-abnegation
• self-renunciation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• indulgence
• acceptance
• self-indulgence
• adoption
• embrace
• espousal
• embracement

2

as in temperance

voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites

self-indulgent even when she was poor, she wasn't about to practice self-denial after getting rich

Synonyms & Similar Words

• temperance
• discipline
• abstinence
• self-abnegation
• restraint
• sobriety
• continence
• forbearance
• asceticism
• self-control
• self-discipline
• self-mastery
• control
• austerity
• self-command

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• greed
• gluttony
• rapacity
• self-indulgence
• voracity
• sensuality
• rapaciousness
• hedonism
• voraciousness
• sybaritism

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of self-denial

Crace transports readers two thousand years into the past to a stark Biblical landscape full of visceral encounters, violence, self-denial, and possible miracles. — Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025

But the biblical term for self-denial – inui – has another meaning. — Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 7 Oct. 2024

Loneliness gets to the heart of the spiritual dissatisfaction and self-denial seen post-Covid and in both the pro-Hamas and pro–George Floyd rioting. — Armond White, National Review, 10 May 2024

When the connection between them intensifies, Daniel becomes unsatisfied with clandestine hookups, wanting more, while Jack’s self-denial and wariness of potential exposure are tough habits to kick. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019