celibate

adjective

Definition of celibatenext
as in chaste
not engaging in sexual intercourse celibate monks and nuns They have chosen to lead celibate lives.

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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 celibate In 1807, the Harmonists took a vow to remain celibate, which required them to build more community houses as the number of unwed society members grew. — Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025 The trailer is riveting and unsettling – just as the celibate Shakers were to the average observer during their American emergence in the 1780s. — Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025 And celibacy, as Christ was celibate. — Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 For many traditionalists, effective enforcement of this teaching would mean cracking down on homosexuality among the clergy, including gay clergy who are celibate and chaste. — Massimo Faggioli, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2018 See All Example Sentences for celibate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibate
  1. chaste
  2. abstinent
  3. unmarried
  4. virginal
  5. innocent
  6. virgin
Adjective
  • Then there was the rather chaste kiss on Evans’s show late last year.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2026
  • Deadhead your chaste tree in late winter to promote flowering in the spring and summer months.
    — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
Definition of chaste
Adjective
  • Not everybody needs to spend the rest of their life totally abstinent with a cup of shitty coffee in a Styrofoam cup regurgitating platitudes.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
  • One of the sacrifices Dolan mentioned in his speech was staying abstinent.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
Definition of abstinent
Adjective
  • This relaxation of the rules thus allows certain distant male relatives who are over 15 years old and unmarried to rejoin the imperial family.
    — Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026
  • His uncle told the Indian Express Singh was unmarried and planned to visit his family back in India next year.
    — Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of unmarried
Adjective
  • Kris and Billy watch that one together in an intimate sleepover, sinking into the murky texture of a scene in which the virginal actor allowed a jerk to take off her clothes.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Sam neglects the standards of his profession to protect women who Cady could hurt, especially someone like Sam’s virginal teen daughter, Dani.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Definition of virginal
Adjective
  • Other officers helped the innocent driver walk to a nearby gas station.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
    — ByTony Atkins, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of innocent
Adjective
  • One of the world’s largest paper and packaging producers has warned investors that climate stress, drought, pests and biodiversity loss threaten the healthy forests on which its virgin fiber supply depends.
    — Kari Stoever, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • That’s a lot of virgin oak in the mix, which adds an intensity of flavor compared to used barrels, and each type of wood is meant to bring different notes to the palate.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of virgin

Browse Nearby Words

celibacy
celibate
cell
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Cite this Entry

“Celibate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celibate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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