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
The only 100% effective way to prevent syphilis is abstinence.
—
Heidi Cope, Health, 26 Dec. 2024
More specifically, taking methadone or Suboxone during pregnancy can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome.
—Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024
Sandra initially attempted to moderate her use of alcohol and other drugs but ultimately decided on abstinence.
—Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024
Researchers in the Netherlands documented the biochemical effects of one month of alcohol abstinence in a small study.
—Malaka Gharib, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abstinence 
Heidi Cope, Health, 26 Dec. 2024
More specifically, taking methadone or Suboxone during pregnancy can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome.
—Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024
Sandra initially attempted to moderate her use of alcohol and other drugs but ultimately decided on abstinence.
—Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024
Researchers in the Netherlands documented the biochemical effects of one month of alcohol abstinence in a small study.
—Malaka Gharib, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
-
Where temperance crusaders once wielded biblical rhetoric, today’s public health researchers arrive with cancer studies and statistics.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
13 Jan. 2025
-
The country's past cultural battles, over immigration, slavery, evolution, temperance, McCarthyism, and civil rights, were arguably more serious than any of today's.—
Joseph S. Nye Jr.,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Nov. 2010
Noun
-
White is generally associated with purity and holiness.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Feb. 2025
-
The International Atomic Energy Agency earlier this month warned that Iran has developed some 440 pounds of near-weapons grade uranium that has been enriched to the 60% purity threshold – shy of the 90% purity levels needed to develop a nuclear bomb.—
Caitlin McFall,
Fox News,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Mixing personal narrative with cultural criticism, the author of Girlhood explores how celibacy radicalized her, giving her permission to put all of her focus on herself, her work, and the platonic relationships that deserved more of her attention.—
Shannon Carlin,
TIME,
17 Dec. 2024
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Key Survey Findings: 43% of Black Gen Z daters are practicing celibacy.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2024
Noun
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The series eschews any sort of sexuality, with even Nico’s desires getting toned down to the point of total chastity.—
Daniel Fienberg,
The Hollywood Reporter,
29 Jan. 2025
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The anti-erotic Christianity that Monica professed condemned the vanity of human learning and encouraged chastity.—
Mark Lilla,
Harper's Magazine,
2 Oct. 2024
Noun
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The show is a bit of a time capsule now—maybe even a period drama—but Skins’s issues remain potent: characters lost their virginities, dealt with parents’ divorces and affairs, battled eating disorders and substance abuse, shoplifted, fought, raved, and found dysfunctional, die-hard friendships.—
Taylor Antrim,
Vogue,
31 Jan. 2025
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Heard about my friends kissing, falling in love, losing their virginity.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
5 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near abstinence
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.
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