abstinence

noun

ˈab-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce abstinence (audio)
Definition of abstinencenext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abstinence For this class, federal action (or inaction) makes or breaks their communities and livelihoods, with their frustration channeled through abstinence in the political process. — Alex Rosado, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026 What may be more important, according to Elton, is the psychological value of abstinence. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026 Kennedy also used the opportunity to renew the administration’s attacks on harm reduction, strategies that aim to reduce death and disease among people using drugs without demanding instant abstinence. — Lev Facher, STAT, 17 June 2026 But he's benefited from his busy daily workload and a lifetime of abstinence from tobacco and alcohol, said his physician, Sean Barbabella. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
  1. temperance
  2. purity
  3. celibacy
  4. chastity
  5. virginity
Noun
  • Why Gen Z is embracing sober curious drinking Three forces are pulling Gen Z toward more selective drinking, and none of them look like old-school temperance.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The temperance movement was in full swing then, and the aversion to alcohol was especially strong in the rural South.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of temperance
Noun
  • The Basij run a nationwide network of volunteers who maintain a presence in the streets, government offices and cultural centers, seeking to ensure loyalty and ideological purity for Iran’s theocracy.
    — Lee Keath, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Along with these shifts came purity tests that were easy for well-meaning people to fail.
    — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of purity
Noun
  • Thai Buddhists felt disappointed and raised questions about the ability of young monks to take their vow of celibacy seriously.
    — Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 24 Aug. 2026
  • That means no social media accounts, personal possessions or handling money, and the practice of celibacy and modesty.
    — Deepa Bharath, Fortune, 17 July 2026
Definition of celibacy
Noun
  • The only exception comes once a year, when the nationwide chastity mandate is temporarily lifted and the use of protection is mandatory.
    — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • These communities of men and women devote their lives to becoming more like Jesus by living out vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
    — Adora Namigadde, NPR, 23 July 2026
Definition of chastity
Noun
  • Usually, a disabled romance is about a guy who either wants to lose his virginity or wants to kill himself.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Bret clunkily jumps right to his virginity, suggesting that whatever is going on between them isn’t exactly one-sided.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of virginity

Browse Nearby Words

abstentious
abstinence
abstinent
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Cite this Entry

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

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