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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse
an AIDS-prevention program that relies primarily on abstinence
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Recent Examples of abstinence
Approaches range from abstinence and legislative attempts to ban cell phones in the classroom to barrier methods, such as Yondr, which provides bags to sequester the objects during the day.
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Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
Many programs, however, enforce strict abstinence policies, disqualifying those who test positive for cannabis or its constituent cannabinoids from receiving treatment.
—Joao P. De Aquino, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for abstinence 
Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
Many programs, however, enforce strict abstinence policies, disqualifying those who test positive for cannabis or its constituent cannabinoids from receiving treatment.
—Joao P. De Aquino, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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Following a series of phone calls to the bank, none of which were notable for their diplomatic temperance on my part, an underwriter clarified that my business credit report had been flagged, not my personal one—a detail the form letter had failed to clarify.Levi King, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
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Yet, the history of the temperance movement exposes the danger of these tactics.Elizabeth Marshall / Made by History, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Doing this while online connected to another human might be construed as a form of cheating or a violation of purity and spirit of quietude.Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
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Where Does Iran's Nuclear Program Currently Stand? Weapons-grade enrichment requires uranium purity levels above 90 percent.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Bumble came under backlash earlier this year for advertising that positioned celibacy as a poor alternative to online dating.Karoline Leonard, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Dec. 2024
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They are immediately attracted to each other, but Jeffrey had made up his mind regarding his celibacy.Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 2 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Iran's parliament has passed a new chastity law to be implemented next week, further tightening already strict dressing restrictions, according to reports.Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
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When Christianity began to spread throughout Europe, the veil's meaning grew, symbolizing modesty, purity and chastity, Kolosok said.Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 25 Sep. 2024
Noun
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Jimmy Kimmel accosted Dune stars Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, and Timothée Chalamet with the bucket, and Saturday Night Live aired a song about Marcello Hernández losing his virginity to it.Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2024
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From intrusive questions about her virginity to men twice her age discounting her work, she remained mostly posed and polite until her next studio offering: 2001’s Britney.James Dinh, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near abstinence
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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