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
But the state has been steering school districts toward programs that focus mainly on abstinence.
—
Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Sources also detailed how Tait had allegedly long abused drugs and alcohol, despite years of encouraging sobriety and abstinence in his music.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 June 2025
The six books below describe other forms of abundance found, counterintuitively, through abstinence.
—Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
This is what makes asexuality different from celibacy or abstinence.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Sources also detailed how Tait had allegedly long abused drugs and alcohol, despite years of encouraging sobriety and abstinence in his music.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 June 2025
The six books below describe other forms of abundance found, counterintuitively, through abstinence.
—Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
This is what makes asexuality different from celibacy or abstinence.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
-
More than 90 years after Congress repealed the 18th amendment, also known as Prohibition, and made consuming alcohol legal again, there’s a new temperance movement in town.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
4 July 2025
-
For example, a team high in drive but low in temperance may be prone to rushing decisions or overlooking long-term consequences.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
His timbre, almost unearthly in its purity, could carry over the orchestra and through Jarvis Hall on luster alone.—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2025
-
Domaine Roy & Fils produces organic Pinot Noir, emphasizing the purity of fruit and terroir.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
Here’s the thing: the women of history had so many good reasons for choosing celibacy.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
11 June 2025
-
On June 8, Pashinyan called for Karekin II to resign after accusing him of fathering a child despite a vow of celibacy.—
Avet Demourian,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
The Sisters of Mercy are an international community of Roman Catholic women who dedicate their lives to the Gospel of Jesus and take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
2 July 2025
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The residents of the house had taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.—
Raul A. Reyes,
NBC news,
29 June 2025
Noun
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As Eric Richman, Mike Vogel made quite an impression as the soccer coach who takes Bridget's virginity in Sisterhood.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 June 2025
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In his Epistles, Paul grudgingly grants that marrying is better than burning with desire, but virginity is best.—
Spencer Strub,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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