ABSTAINED Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

abstained

verb

past tense of abstain

as in refused

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstained

Verb

Kansas City, Kansas, schools also refused to sign a resolution agreement.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026
Having refused to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in 2019, a group dominated by China, New Delhi has signed free trade agreements with New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

— C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of refused

Verb

But others have rejected the idea that the system failed Clancy and have been highly critical of her supporters, including conservative commentators Matt Walsh and Megyn Kelly.

— N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Last year, Manchester United were in discussions with him and made a loan bid in the latter stages of the summer transfer window which was rejected.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of rejected

Verb

The Archbishop O’Hara Hall of Famer sought other opportunities, but eventually turned down an offer to start Baker’s program a year later, after Gillette begrudgingly recommended her for the job.

— PJ Green August 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026
Namely, the singer turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom – widely considered the government's highest civilian honor – multiple times.

— Melina Khan, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of turned down

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abstain

abstained

abstained (from)

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“Abstained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstained. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of abstained

verb

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