CELIBACY Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

celibacy

noun

ˈse-lə-bə-sē

Definition of celibacy

as in purity

abstention from sexual intercourse a widower who has maintained absolute celibacy since the death of his wife

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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 celibacy With few exceptions, most priests also take a vow of celibacy (married men can become priests in Eastern Rite churches). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026 Gunn is in good company in the Hollywood celibacy club. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026 As the world outside begins to resemble the full-moon mating frenzy of the opalescent squid, crack open Sylvia Townsend Warner’s 1948 novel about nuns eking out an existence in a 14th-century convent and one night of celibacy might not seem so bad. — Air Mail, 14 Feb. 2026 Nearly three centuries later, the Shaker founder could become an unlikely icon for Gen Z, who are bringing celibacy back in staggeringly high numbers, according to a slew of recent studies. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for celibacy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibacy

Noun

The researchers found that the low-purity ores could be processed directly into pyrite with no additional purification.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
In electrolysis, compression, purification, storage and blending, oxygen measurement can support safety logic, gas purity verification, ventilation strategy, leak detection and process optimization.

— Gregory Shahnovsky, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of purity

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

While harm reduction – a major component of opioid use disorder treatment – is being explored in alcohol use disorder, abstinence remains a mainstay of most approaches to this addiction.

— Marie Doyle, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026
The World Health Organization says that this is possible — that with moderate drinking, even after long periods of abstinence, there are lots of people who find success of clinical significance and life improvement.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of abstinence

Browse Nearby Words

celestial

celibacy

celibate

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“Celibacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celibacy. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of celibacy

noun

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