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
There are a handful of studies that point to some benefits of abstinence for even moderate drinkers.
—
Malaka Gharib, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
Alcohol abstinence is the underlying precept of Dry January.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Malaka Gharib, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
Alcohol abstinence is the underlying precept of Dry January.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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Asked about how Kia will respond to tariffs from the Trump administration, the CEO projected temperance.—
Kristin Shaw,
Ars Technica,
27 Feb. 2025
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For instance, courage can lead to recklessness without temperance or result in cowardice when deficient.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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This level of enrichment is just a technical step away from reaching the 90% purity required for nuclear weapons.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
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Bars and coins are often purchased for their purity and weight, while jewelry combines investment with aesthetics.—
Gabriel O Rodríguez,
Sacramento Bee,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Francis’s promise to reconsider the doctrine of priestly celibacy had gone nowhere . . .—
Paul Elie,
The New Yorker,
26 Feb. 2025
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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
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
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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