CONTINENCE Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

continence

noun

ˈkän-tə-nən(t)s

as in purity

abstention from sexual intercourse argued for a pregnancy-prevention program that did not put so much faith in the continence of teenagers

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Relevance

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as in discipline

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others experiencing a moment of unusual continence, I refrained from returning her gratuitous insult

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as in restraint

the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions a religious sect that demanded nearly superhuman continence from its adherents

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as in temperance

voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites a gambling mecca that has a reputation for being the sort of place where caution and continence are thrown to the wind

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of continence These are the muscles that play a critical role in supporting our pelvic organs and maintaining continence. —

Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 The pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus and bowel), controls the body’s continence mechanisms and helps with core stability. —

Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 The pelvic floor muscles need to work in a coordinated pattern, relaxing to allow urine to flow and contracting to maintain continence, said Alexis E. Te, MD, a professor of urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, told Verywell. —

Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2025 Good posture helps maintain continence, support pelvic organs, and reduce back pain. —

Staci Tanouye, Parents, 29 Aug. 2023 Any chance Sally or Ed has anxiety, digestive or continence issues, hearing loss …? —

Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 29 Jan. 2023 Aging in the modern era is about slow unstoppable loss - of hearing, of memory, of mobility, of continence, of dignity. —

Kyle Munkittrick, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2011

Recent Examples of Synonyms for continence

Noun

Both humble and charming, the daisy represents youth and purity.

— Jenny Krane, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
The United Nations nuclear agency says Iran has more than 970 pounds of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026