SELF-DENIAL Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

self-denial

noun

ˌself-di-ˈnī(-ə)l

Definition of self-denial

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

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

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

Noun

This strategic refusal is a major plot point in the episode, reflecting a history that led the New York Times to report in 1921 that the Osage had the greatest per capita wealth in the world.

— Max Gao, IndieWire, 10 July 2026
Tensions between the two countries mounted last year with Spain's refusal to commit to investing 5% of GDP annually on defense by 2035, after other member states agreed to the target at last year's summit.

— Tiago Ventura, Time, 9 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

The denial was a hit to Wilber’s spirit, but Yadira tried to calm the restless teenager.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
The birthright citizenship decision was decided on merits after full oral arguments, while the Carroll petition asks the court to reconsider its decision to not hear the case, known as a denial of certiorari.

— Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 9 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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“Self-denial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-denial. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-denial

noun

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