as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse
a widower who has maintained absolute celibacy since the death of his wife
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Recent Examples of celibacy
On June 8, Pashinyan called for Karekin II to resign after accusing him of fathering a child despite a vow of celibacy.
—
Avet Demourian, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
My interest in these figures long predated my interest in celibacy.
—Hazlitt, 11 June 2025
This is what makes asexuality different from celibacy or abstinence.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 June 2025
Redman has recently opened up about life-changing journey with celibacy.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celibacy
Avet Demourian, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
My interest in these figures long predated my interest in celibacy.
—Hazlitt, 11 June 2025
This is what makes asexuality different from celibacy or abstinence.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 June 2025
Redman has recently opened up about life-changing journey with celibacy.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celibacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibacy
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
The residents of the house had taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.—
Raul A. Reyes,
NBC news,
29 June 2025
Noun
-
Well, abstinence is always an option (albeit an impractical one).—
Zahra Thompson,
SELF,
2 July 2025
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Studies show people with high novelty-seeking scores are more likely to start substance use and more likely to relapse after abstinence.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Celibacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celibacy. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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