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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Examples of abstinence in a Sentence
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Recent Examples on the Web
That state of affairs has diluted asceticism from the actual, if difficult, rejection of indulgence into a fetish for that abstinence.
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Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2024
On one hand, my faith teaches me that abstinence is a virtue, a testament to my dedication to God.
—Hena Bryan, refinery29.com, 11 Sep. 2024
This is higher than any other birth control method except abstinence.
—Claire Gillespie, Health, 19 June 2024
Whereas abstinence promotion may reach some students, in most situations, this is not a practical teen pregnancy prevention strategy.
—Dr. Scott A. Rivkees, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abstinence 
Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2024
On one hand, my faith teaches me that abstinence is a virtue, a testament to my dedication to God.
—Hena Bryan, refinery29.com, 11 Sep. 2024
This is higher than any other birth control method except abstinence.
—Claire Gillespie, Health, 19 June 2024
Whereas abstinence promotion may reach some students, in most situations, this is not a practical teen pregnancy prevention strategy.
—Dr. Scott A. Rivkees, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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Some will ask why this temperance with blowing should be limited.Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2024
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Hartley connected his temperance and milk crusades in An Essay on Milk from 1842, arguing that milk produced in cities was impure not just because of its adulteration by contaminants like formaldehyde, but also because of its sourcing from urban swill sheds.Catherine Long, JSTOR Daily, 17 Jan. 2024
Noun
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Look for supplements that have been third-party tested for accurate ingredients and purity.Kirstyn Hill, PharmD, MPH, Health, 30 Oct. 2024
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Its stockpiles have reached 60% purity, a short step away from weapons-grade, which is 90%.Mostafa Salem, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
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In recent times, several Black celebrities have come out to discuss their celibacy journeys.Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 12 Sep. 2024
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But for some people, choosing to put their hookups and love life on hold can be just as fulfilling—and celibacy spells are definitely having a moment.Jenna Ryu, SELF, 2 Aug. 2024
Noun
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For some, chastity devices involve orgasm denial for the duration of the month.Mikelle Street, Them, 9 Oct. 2024
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The anti-erotic Christianity that Monica professed condemned the vanity of human learning and encouraged chastity.Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024
Noun
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There's less emphasis on virginity in the traditional sense.Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024
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Winfrey raised the virginity question directly during her 1993 interview with Jackson.EW.com, EW.com, 9 Oct. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near abstinence
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.
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