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abstain

[ab-steyn] / æbˈsteɪn /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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The diet is the brainchild of Dr. Sean O’Mara, who advises his high-profile patients to eat fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi, alongside grass-fed steak—and to abstain from alcohol and sugary food.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 18, 2026

Whatever Evie’s goals, it’s unlikely the issue will lead its readers to actually abstain until marriage.

From Salon May 8, 2026

Basoo said there had been no change to its "core position that Jehovah's Witnesses abstain from blood".

From BBC Apr. 12, 2026

It was to protect worshippers that Israel had asked people of all faiths to "temporarily abstain" from worshipping at all the holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City, he added.

From Barron's Mar. 29, 2026

But above all else, he should abstain from seizing the property of others; for men forget the death of their father more quickly than the loss of their patrimony.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Recently persuaded by her teen daughter, Mae, to join social media, Hahn abstains from reading the comments.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 26, 2024

Abby now abstains from video sites and TV, Maggie uses library computers for online access, and Sophia's sponsor keeps her in check when she needs to use the internet.

From BBC Feb. 7, 2024

If not, the foreign country abstains from submitting a formal re-export request, and no diplomatic harm is done.

From Reuters Jan. 23, 2023

Like Trump, the former vice president has pointed to alcoholism in his family in explaining why he abstains.

From Seattle Times Sep. 10, 2020

I wonder why Therese abstains from food, though she is not bound by the nun’s vows.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Nekhaila, who would have been the tiebreaking vote, abstained.

From The Wall Street Journal May 25, 2026

While they released the letter spelling out their dissent, the Fed clarified that Bowman had abstained from the vote.

From Barron's May 15, 2026

Twenty six councillors voted for the motion and 27 against, while two councillors abstained from voting.

From BBC Mar. 17, 2026

A total of 135 MPs voted in favour, zero against and three abstained.

From BBC Mar. 12, 2026

She could have made an inquiry or two, as to the expedition and the expense of the Irish mails;—it was at her tongue’s end—but she abstained.

From "Emma" by Jane Austen

In 2020, Milan Township passed an ordinance that would allow the project to go forward, with Heath’s brother, the township supervisor, abstaining.

From Salon Apr. 27, 2026

Members of the Senedd voted on Tuesday 39 to 10 to bring in the ban, with two MSs abstaining.

From BBC Mar. 21, 2026

Los Angeles’s city council passed the measure in November by a 12-2 vote, with one member abstaining.

From The Wall Street Journal Dec. 30, 2025

A vote in October failed to pass by a 25-24 margin with six guides abstaining.

From Los Angeles Times Dec. 12, 2025

Even when Ramadan arrived during the season and I had to play volleyball and fence while fasting from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food and water, I still didn’t want to quit.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad




Vocabulary lists containing abstain


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