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
The Catholic Church mandates abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent as an act of sacrifice and self-discipline.
—
Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
Christians in Charlotte — notably Catholics — who celebrate the period of fasting, abstinence and reflection of Lent that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends just before Easter will still need to eat.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2025
There are several benefits to short-term alcohol abstinence.
—Greta Cross, The Courier-Journal, 1 Jan. 2025
The next day marked the beginning of abstinence from those items or the Lenten season.
—Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
Christians in Charlotte — notably Catholics — who celebrate the period of fasting, abstinence and reflection of Lent that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends just before Easter will still need to eat.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2025
There are several benefits to short-term alcohol abstinence.
—Greta Cross, The Courier-Journal, 1 Jan. 2025
The next day marked the beginning of abstinence from those items or the Lenten season.
—Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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Supporters aligned with the temperance movement used Weston’s walks to advance their agenda—since Weston was a teetotaler, sponsors and cheerleaders trumpeted his feats as evidence that sobriety was healthy.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
26 Mar. 2025
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For instance, trust will be eroded when a person demonstrates a lack of temperance, which manifests as being agitated, impatient, inattentive, rash, and anxious instead of being composed, patient, prudent, self-controlled, and calm.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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This level of enrichment is just a technical step away from reaching the 90% purity required for nuclear weapons.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
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Finally, a set proportion of these materials that are of the right quality and purity will be used to make batteries that will go in new electric Porsches.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In the medieval church, women’s roles were limited – usually some form of enclosure and celibacy, such as becoming an anchoress walled up alone for life, or a nun in a classic convent.—
Joelle Rollo-Koster,
The Conversation,
25 Feb. 2025
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But Cole is resolute in his pre-marital celibacy.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Related Stories Robin Williams, who apparently has taken a vow of comic chastity since winning his Good Will Hunting Oscar, plays the robot who wants to be a man.—
Kirk Honeycutt,
The Hollywood Reporter,
17 Dec. 2024
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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
Noun
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While opening up about Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook)'s relationship with her older brother Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), White, 54, said the season finale originally saw Piper lose her virginity.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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Piper was going to lose her virginity to Belinda’s son, Zion Saxon was right: Piper is a virgin.—
Justin Curto,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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