as in to refuse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 abstain
If a state has an even number of representatives and an even split between Republicans and Democrats, that state's delegation cannot form a majority in favor of one candidate, and that state therefore abstains from voting.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Oliver dedicated the final moments of the final episode before voting to speak to those specifically abstaining from the presidential election due to Israel’s bombing of Gaza.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024
But instead, many people will abstain or vote for third-party candidates.
—Michael Bruter and Sarah Harrison, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024
Richard Branson leads a life abstaining from one of its greatest pleasures: gossip.
—Lindsey Leake, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abstain 
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Oliver dedicated the final moments of the final episode before voting to speak to those specifically abstaining from the presidential election due to Israel’s bombing of Gaza.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024
But instead, many people will abstain or vote for third-party candidates.
—Michael Bruter and Sarah Harrison, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024
Richard Branson leads a life abstaining from one of its greatest pleasures: gossip.
—Lindsey Leake, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abstain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstain
Verb
-
When McCarthy refused to end the investigation, Gaetz and his MAGA friends in the House successfully called a vote to have McCarthy ousted from his leadership role.Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024
-
In other words, Defendants have satisfied none of their obligations and have refused even to respond to Plaintiffs' outreaches about those breaches.Ryan Morik, Fox News, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Israel, like the United States, is not a member of the ICC and has challenged the court’s jurisdiction over its actions in the conflict – a challenge the court rejected on Thursday.Abbas Al Lawati, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024
-
The whistleblower lawsuit, however, was allowed to move forward after the Texas Supreme Court rejected Paxton's appeal to kill the suit after his impeachment trial.Hogan Gore, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Liverpool turned down a £150million bid from Al-Ittihad in 2023 but Salah refused to be drawn on the ongoing interest from Saudi.James Pearce, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
-
Add warm milk, pint of chicken stock and warm cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a boil; turn down to let simmer.Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
While Camille admired his effort, Thomas struggled with self-consciousness, deferring to her too often—whether seeking her input on outfits or hesitating to drink without her approval.Miguel Santiago, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
-
Yet, despite their promise, many organizations hesitate to fully commit.Alex Zekoff, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
Romney's Cass took Obama to task for opposing development of the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge and for temporizing on the Keystone pipeline, while Obama's Aldy accused Romney of being insensitive to the environment and to the needs and desires of future generations.IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 9 Oct. 2012
-
Accompanying these principles must be a rejection of the impulse to temporize about the dangers that confront us and a rejection of the bizarre deprecation of our nation and civilization.Peter J. Travers, National Review, 29 Mar. 2022
Thesaurus Entries Near abstain
Cite this Entry
“Abstain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstain. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share