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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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
  • 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
  • If decisiveness has crowded out temperance, spend ninety days deliberately slowing your first response.
    — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of temperance
Noun
  • The new data from Chengdu confirms that cratonic sedimentary basins can also hold high-purity natural hydrogen deposits.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Michael offers a superb breakdown of various supplements, how to determine purity, and when to use them.
    — Diana Helmuth, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of purity
Noun
  • That means no social media accounts, personal possessions or handling money, and the practice of celibacy and modesty.
    — Deepa Bharath, Fortune, 17 July 2026
  • The Eternal Values promise Mierers lured followers in with discussions of enlightenment and mental clarity, often revolving around diet, exercise, celibacy, and the willingness to give up material possessions.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 1 June 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on abstinence

Nglish: Translation of abstinence for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of prowess

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All