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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abstinence
Rather than framing non-alcoholic beer around abstinence or restriction, the activations are designed to recreate the communal atmosphere traditionally associated with beer and live sports.
—
Daphne Ewing-Chow,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
While long-term abstinence can help, experts say some impairments may be only partially reversible, depending on how long and how much alcohol was consumed.
—
Sandee Lamotte,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
These bouts of abstinence and punishment would work for a while but, like garden weeds, the pounds would always come back.
—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
The podcaster, who's currently expecting a baby with husband Matt Howard, spoke on the Friday, April 3, episode of her Always Here podcast about her wedding night and what her experience with abstinence was like.
—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Daphne Ewing-Chow,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
While long-term abstinence can help, experts say some impairments may be only partially reversible, depending on how long and how much alcohol was consumed.
—
Sandee Lamotte,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
These bouts of abstinence and punishment would work for a while but, like garden weeds, the pounds would always come back.
—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
The podcaster, who's currently expecting a baby with husband Matt Howard, spoke on the Friday, April 3, episode of her Always Here podcast about her wedding night and what her experience with abstinence was like.
—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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In the winter of 1920, the United States entered Prohibition in the United States after years of campaigning by temperance groups who believed alcohol sat at the root of many social ills.
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Another was promoting temperance realizing alcoholism could destroy families.
Noun
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Law enforcement later searched two locations in connection with the investigation into Hidrogo including a storage facility in Fort Worth where officers found 244 kilograms of meth with a purity level of 100 percent and more firearms.
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In Christianity, doves are associated with the Holy Spirit and symbolize purity and faith.
Noun
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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.
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The group encouraged awareness and emotional discipline, discouraged alcohol and drugs, and demanded celibacy in its early years.
Noun
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Homer approves equally of the man’s satisfactions and the woman’s chastity.
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Youth media had a specific fixation on virginity and chastity just then.
Noun
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Percy both has her first kiss and loses her virginity with him in the book, something Harris was deliberate in changing.
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In various efforts to have his older coworker (Steve Carell) finally lose his virginity, Rudd's electronics-store dude acts as both good friend and chaos agent.
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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