ABSTENTION Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

abstention

noun

Definition of abstention

as in abnegation

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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 abstention The Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) voted on Thursday 8-6 in favor of the move with one abstention. — Sony Salzman, ABC News, 23 July 2026 And on July 2, after the arrival of British forces in New York lent the proceedings new urgency, Congress did, in fact, declare independence—with a vote of 12 yeas, 0 nays, and 1 abstention. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 July 2026 Residents had written in with concerns about safety and noise, and the local community board had voted, twenty-two to fourteen, with one abstention, against approving the venue’s application. — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 The state Assembly approved the American wine label bill in a 67-0 vote, with some abstentions, last month. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for abstention

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstention

Noun

Not one for false abnegation of words distorted by smears, Rushdie doubles down on his right to freedom of expression, defending his dissent from religious orthodoxy.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026
That, for me, feels like an abnegation of our responsibility in theater.

— Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026

Definition of abnegation

Noun

Ten vessels were identified as allegedly providing logistical cover, detection avoidance and, in one case, direct cocaine transport as part of the scheme.

— Richard Escobedo, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Madelyn also has pathological demand avoidance, like Jack Davis, and sensory processing disorder, a neurological condition.

— Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of avoidance

Noun

Despite the Warriors operating with a pathetic sense of self-mortification — bending over backward for the mere possibility the King might grace them with his presence — the power of friendship wasn’t enough to lure James to the Bay.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
Now fully convinced of Broadwater’s innocence, Sebold looks back on the entire episode with deep mortification.

— Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026

Definition of mortification

Noun

Automatic contributions, delayed payment windows, small rituals that add friction to impulse spending — these are all behavioral architecture moves, not acts of self-denial.

— Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
At the beginning of her relationship with John, Carolyn’s central problem was that being part of the Kennedy family demanded some level of self-denial.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026

Definition of self-denial

Browse Nearby Words

abstemiousness

abstention

abstentious

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Style

“Abstention.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstention. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of abstention

noun

Example Sentences

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