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
  • One of the sacrifices Dolan mentioned in his speech was staying abstinent.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • Like Ash Wednesday, Good Friday is a day where Catholics are obliged to fast and stay abstinent throughout the day until midnight.
    — Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of abstinent
Adjective
  • State Farm, California’s largest auto insurer, charged the same for married and unmarried drivers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In the past decade or so, happiness rates have declined precipitously for unmarried adults—regardless of education level—much more so than for those who are married, Yifeng Wan, a researcher at the University of Virginia, has found.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of unmarried
Adjective
  • 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
  • Brides were expected, in most cultures at various points in history, to be virginal, pure and dedicated to their husbands.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Definition of virginal
Adjective
  • The girl was described as an innocent bystander who was not involved in the confrontation that led to the shooting.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026
  • But after endearing us to this eager and innocent narrator, Saunders blindsides us.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of innocent
Adjective
  • For the most part, that excludes animal fibers like leather and virgin cashmere.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Inspired by Toasted Coconut, on the other hand, incorporates some virgin oak casks into the mix.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 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 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on celibate

Nglish: Translation of celibate for Spanish Speakers

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