as in to keep (from)
to resist the temptation of
had to abstain from solid food before her surgery
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Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstain (from)
avoid
Verb
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Avian influenza continues to cause significant mortality in wild birds, prompting the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to recommend avoiding contact with wild birds.—
Bryan Hendricks,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026 -
During warmer months, when the path is crowded with tourists in leisure mode, anyone who walks with a purpose should avoid the Bridge at all costs.—
Katie James Watkinson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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“Abstain (from).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstain%20%28from%29. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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