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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abstinence
The next day marked the beginning of abstinence from those items or the Lenten season.
—
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
The 39-year-old actor has had his fair share of odd jobs, including catering deviled eggs, waffles, and other treats, and teaching abstinence to high schoolers.
—Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 25 Jan. 2025
Those leaders encouraged independent Black education, community development, abstinence from drugs and alcohol and many other changes.
—Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Thus Mardi Gras is that last party before the marked time of abstinence.
—Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
The 39-year-old actor has had his fair share of odd jobs, including catering deviled eggs, waffles, and other treats, and teaching abstinence to high schoolers.
—Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 25 Jan. 2025
Those leaders encouraged independent Black education, community development, abstinence from drugs and alcohol and many other changes.
—Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Thus Mardi Gras is that last party before the marked time of abstinence.
—Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 23 Jan. 2025
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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The dial center suggests the purity of mountain waters and shifts to an intense blue.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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The first is that it was named for the purity of its water.—
Tony Perrottet,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 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 3 Apr. 2025.
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