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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse
an AIDS-prevention program that relies primarily on abstinence
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abstinence
But the state has been steering school districts toward programs that focus mainly on abstinence.
—
Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Sources also detailed how Tait had allegedly long abused drugs and alcohol, despite years of encouraging sobriety and abstinence in his music.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 June 2025
The six books below describe other forms of abundance found, counterintuitively, through abstinence.
—Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
This is what makes asexuality different from celibacy or abstinence.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
Sources also detailed how Tait had allegedly long abused drugs and alcohol, despite years of encouraging sobriety and abstinence in his music.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 June 2025
The six books below describe other forms of abundance found, counterintuitively, through abstinence.
—Melissa Febos, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
This is what makes asexuality different from celibacy or abstinence.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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Accountability, collaboration, courage, humility, justice, temperance, drive, integrity, judgment, transcendence, and humanity.—
Lila MacLellan,
Fortune,
16 July 2025
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Then there’s Ada who has used her newfound position to turn the Brook household into a refuge for causes like temperance, while Agnes looks on horrified.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
23 June 2025
Noun
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As a result, even the documentary’s most straightforward moments are steeped in the purity of creation for its own sake.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
25 July 2025
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The Jonas Brothers rose to fame as teenagers, and many people were fascinated with the band’s decision to wear purity rings.—
Katherine Schaffstall,
HollywoodReporter,
25 July 2025
Noun
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In this way, celibacy was part of the long tradition of all feminist practices.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
11 June 2025
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Around 2016, after a particularly painful breakup, the Body Work author decided to do something radical: give up on dating and give celibacy a try.—
Shannon Carlin,
Time,
22 May 2025
Noun
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The Sisters of Mercy are an international community of Roman Catholic women who dedicate their lives to the Gospel of Jesus and take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
2 July 2025
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The residents of the house had taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.—
Raul A. Reyes,
NBC news,
29 June 2025
Noun
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Among those targeted by the show were former Disney pop stars the Jonas Brothers, who were depicted in a 2009 episode as being attacked by Mickey Mouse amid a plot point that also lampooned their purity rings signaling virginity.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
2 July 2025
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As Eric Richman, Mike Vogel made quite an impression as the soccer coach who takes Bridget's virginity in Sisterhood.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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