1
as in temperance
voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites
a cleric vainly preaching abstinence in a world where self-indulgence is regarded as almost a virtue
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse
an AIDS-prevention program that relies primarily on abstinence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abstinence
There are a handful of studies that point to some benefits of abstinence for even moderate drinkers.
—
Malaka Gharib, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
Alcohol abstinence is the underlying precept of Dry January.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
The only 100% effective way to prevent syphilis is abstinence.
—Heidi Cope, Health, 26 Dec. 2024
More specifically, taking methadone or Suboxone during pregnancy can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome.
—Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Malaka Gharib, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
Alcohol abstinence is the underlying precept of Dry January.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
The only 100% effective way to prevent syphilis is abstinence.
—Heidi Cope, Health, 26 Dec. 2024
More specifically, taking methadone or Suboxone during pregnancy can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome.
—Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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The original temperance movement similarly popularized a number of new beverages, such as sodas and fruit juices.—
Shayla Love,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2025
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Asked about how Kia will respond to tariffs from the Trump administration, the CEO projected temperance.—
Kristin Shaw,
Ars Technica,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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This combines excellent varietal purity with outstanding harmony.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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Supplements certified for sport provide additional reassurance that the product has been tested and verified for quality, purity, and safety.—
Melissa Nieves,
Verywell Health,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Francis’s promise to reconsider the doctrine of priestly celibacy had gone nowhere . . .—
Paul Elie,
The New Yorker,
26 Feb. 2025
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Mixing personal narrative with cultural criticism, the author of Girlhood explores how celibacy radicalized her, giving her permission to put all of her focus on herself, her work, and the platonic relationships that deserved more of her attention.—
Shannon Carlin,
TIME,
17 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The rules include abstaining from substances that are already forbidden by the LDS Church, practicing chastity, forgoing the use of profanity and following a dress code that prohibits men from wearing beards or goatees and requires skirts to be no shorter than knee-length.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
18 Mar. 2025
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The series eschews any sort of sexuality, with even Nico’s desires getting toned down to the point of total chastity.—
Daniel Fienberg,
The Hollywood Reporter,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The plot device of psychic abilities being tied to (and lost with) virginity is ridiculous, sexist, and better forgotten.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
23 Mar. 2025
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The intersection of toxic masculinity (i.e., loss of their virginity is a rite of passage into manhood) and adultification (i.e., viewing and treating Black boys as men) perpetuates early sexualization and hypersexualization of Black boys.—
Essence,
Essence,
22 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.
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