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

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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 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 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
  • As a result of her refusal, the entire kingdom is cursed to live without love and anyone who steps foot inside it is also cursed.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Phillips 66 has a chemicals joint venture with Chevron that each side has a right of first refusal to acquire wholly; previous efforts to sell the business from both Chevron and Phillips’ end have run into hurdles, other people said.
    — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of refusal
Noun
  • If decisiveness has crowded out temperance, spend ninety days deliberately slowing your first response.
    — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Another was promoting temperance realizing alcoholism could destroy families.
    — Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
Definition of temperance
Noun
  • The suit maintains that the commission’s denial does not identify any adverse impact to a wetland function or value, nor any feasible and prudent alternatives to address the Commission’s reasons for denial, in violation of state law, Conn.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Sacco is sticking to her guns after Karch’s crashout of a denial.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of denial
Noun
  • This renunciation has had little impact on their progeny, who already studied them for years and viewed their content as a portrait of a viable future.
    — Margaux MacColl, Vanity Fair, 11 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
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 18 Aug. 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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