abstinence
noun
ab·sti·nence
ˈab-stə-nən(t)s 
1
: the practice of abstaining from something : the practice of not doing or having something that is wanted or enjoyable
… ate with a haste and an apparent relish, that seemed to betoken long abstinence from food.—
Walter Scott
Walter Scott2
a
: habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages
b
: abstention from sexual intercourse
abstinently
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of abstinence in a Sentence
The program promoted sexual abstinence for young people.
a cleric vainly preaching abstinence in a world where self-indulgence is regarded as almost a virtue
Recent Examples on the Web
Prescriptions of online abstinence are nothing new, but Pressly offers a unique vision of what can be gained by stepping back from the outside world, and the screens that try to possess us.
—John Kaag, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024
Savvy promoters of abstinence, the WCTU had a broad reach and employed a variety of tactics to circulate their claims about the physical maladies and social harms caused by alcohol.
—Elizabeth Marshall / Made By History, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024
If people go back to drinking heavy amounts of alcohol after the month of abstinence, these health benefits will probably go away.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024
Some may opt for abstinence because they're fed up with hookup culture and crave an emotional connection.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abstinence 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
John Kaag, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024
Savvy promoters of abstinence, the WCTU had a broad reach and employed a variety of tactics to circulate their claims about the physical maladies and social harms caused by alcohol.
—Elizabeth Marshall / Made By History, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024
If people go back to drinking heavy amounts of alcohol after the month of abstinence, these health benefits will probably go away.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024
Some may opt for abstinence because they're fed up with hookup culture and crave an emotional connection.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abstinence
Dictionary Entries Near abstinence
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abstinence. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
abstinence
noun
ab·sti·nence
ˈab-stə-nən(t)s
1
: an abstaining from giving in to an appetite or from eating some foods
2
a
: habitual abstaining from drinking alcoholic beverages
b
: abstention from sexual intercourse
abstinently
adverb
Medical Definition
abstinence
noun
ab·sti·nence
ˈab-stə-nən(t)s
: the act or practice of abstaining especially from engagement in sexual intercourse or consumption of intoxicating beverages
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share