as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse a widower who has maintained absolute celibacy since the death of his wife

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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 celibacy Andrew Tate when a detective brings up the potential role of the involuntary celibacy subculture. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025 Speaking with host Sherri Shepherd, the R&B singer shared more on his past experience with practicing celibacy, as well as his thoughts on nontraditional relationships. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 Mar. 2025 In the medieval church, women’s roles were limited – usually some form of enclosure and celibacy, such as becoming an anchoress walled up alone for life, or a nun in a classic convent. Joelle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 25 Feb. 2025 In May last year, Julia Fox weighed in on controversial billboards by Bumble ads that appeared to mock celibacy. Angela Kahuru, refinery29.com, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for celibacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibacy
Noun
  • Medium-full, this offers excellent varietal purity, medium weight tannins, very good acidity and subtle wood notes.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Image Iran has been enriching uranium to around 60 percent purity, just short of the levels needed to produce a weapon.
    Vivian Nereim, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The dismissal came after a more than year long dispute between the nuns and the diocese that began when Olson investigated a report that the nuns’ leader, the Rev. Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach, broke her chastity vows with a priest from outside the diocese.
    Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2025
  • This is certainly true with regard to his chastity, which Catholic writers extol in devotional literature.
    Emily Harnett, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Content Creator on Giving Up Alcohol for a Year By Marni Rose McFall Live News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 Gen Z is well known for their abstinence from drugs and alcohol, and their focus on health and wellness.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
  • On Ash Wednesday, Catholics around the world attend Mass, receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of repentance, and observe fasting and abstinence as prescribed by Church law.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Celibacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celibacy. Accessed 11 May. 2025.

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