self-denial

noun

ˌself-di-ˈnī(-ə)l How to pronounce self-denial (audio)
Definition of self-denialnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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-denial At the beginning of her relationship with John, Carolyn’s central problem was that being part of the Kennedy family demanded some level of self-denial. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026 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 Automatic contributions, delayed payment windows, small rituals that add friction to impulse spending — these are all behavioral architecture moves, not acts of self-denial. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for self-denial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-denial
  1. refusal
  2. temperance
  3. denial
  4. renunciation
  5. abnegation
Noun
  • The Ducks have seven days to exercise their right of first refusal on the player, per the NHL collective bargaining agreement.
    — Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Republican hardliners jammed up the House floor this week, in part because of congressional leadership's refusal to attach a version of the election bill, dubbed the SAVE America Act, to the National Defense Authorization Act.
    — Dan Mangan,Luke Fountain,Kevin Breuninger,Garrett Downs,Ashley Capoot,Justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of refusal
Noun
  • In the winter of 1920, the United States entered Prohibition in the United States after years of campaigning by temperance groups who believed alcohol sat at the root of many social ills.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Another was promoting temperance realizing alcoholism could destroy families.
    — Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
Definition of temperance
Noun
  • One reason Pharis has been so vocal online is to fight back against the shame and denial that drive so many to withhold their HIV status from others.
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Between 2016 and 2023, claim denials increased from 9% to 12%.
    — Miranda Yaver, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of denial
Noun
  • Rules have changed over decades, so some claims succeed while others face hurdles like formal renunciation.
    — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Carney is a moralist, a filmmaker of fidelity—and of renunciation, depicting the romantic near-misses and what-ifs that his characters leave behind.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
Definition of renunciation
Noun
  • Not one for false abnegation of words distorted by smears, Rushdie doubles down on his right to freedom of expression, defending his dissent from religious orthodoxy.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026
  • That, for me, feels like an abnegation of our responsibility in theater.
    — Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026
Definition of abnegation

Browse Nearby Words

self-critical
self-denial
self-denials
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Cite this Entry

“Self-denial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-denial. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on self-denial

Nglish: Translation of self-denial for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about self-denial

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