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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse
an AIDS-prevention program that relies primarily on abstinence
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of abstinence
Texture was never Eastwood’s strong point; his films have mainly been stark and spare, with a sense of style that can nearly be defined as an abstinence from style.
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Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024
Those who knew Francis commonly attributed her longevity to her lifelong abstinence from alcohol and smoking.
—Dawn Sawyer, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024
Approaches range from abstinence and legislative attempts to ban cell phones in the classroom to barrier methods, such as Yondr, which provides bags to sequester the objects during the day.
—Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
Many programs, however, enforce strict abstinence policies, disqualifying those who test positive for cannabis or its constituent cannabinoids from receiving treatment.
—Joao P. De Aquino, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abstinence 
Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024
Those who knew Francis commonly attributed her longevity to her lifelong abstinence from alcohol and smoking.
—Dawn Sawyer, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024
Approaches range from abstinence and legislative attempts to ban cell phones in the classroom to barrier methods, such as Yondr, which provides bags to sequester the objects during the day.
—Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
Many programs, however, enforce strict abstinence policies, disqualifying those who test positive for cannabis or its constituent cannabinoids from receiving treatment.
—Joao P. De Aquino, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abstinence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstinence
Noun
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Research reveals that the character dimension of temperance (being patient, calm, composed, self-controlled and prudent) is chronically underdeveloped, weakening the foundation of other character strengths like drive and accountability.Mary Crossan, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
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Following a series of phone calls to the bank, none of which were notable for their diplomatic temperance on my part, an underwriter clarified that my business credit report had been flagged, not my personal one—a detail the form letter had failed to clarify.Levi King, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
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On the palate, the wine exhibits exceptions intensity, texture, purity and dull bodied finish with velvety, but noticeable tannins.Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
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Plus, it’s tested for purity and potency by third-party labs.April Benshosan, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Many experimented with fasting, sleep deprivation, and vegetarian diets while frequently taking vows of celibacy.Jeffrey E. Schulman / Made by History, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024
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Bumble came under backlash earlier this year for advertising that positioned celibacy as a poor alternative to online dating.Karoline Leonard, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Related Stories Robin Williams, who apparently has taken a vow of comic chastity since winning his Good Will Hunting Oscar, plays the robot who wants to be a man.Kirk Honeycutt, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
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The disagreement surfaced in April 2023 after Olson accused their Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach of breaking her chastity vows by having an online love affair with Father Philip Johnson, a former priest from the diocese in Raleigh, N.C., per Chron.Charna Flam, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The setup is simple: Four teenage boys plan to lose their virginity by taking a road trip to a Nevada brothel.Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
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Jimmy Kimmel accosted Dune stars Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, and Timothée Chalamet with the bucket, and Saturday Night Live aired a song about Marcello Hernández losing his virginity to it.Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near abstinence
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.
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