Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

abstinence

[ab-stuh-nuhns] / ˈæb stə nəns /


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.

See Examples For:

"Our goal is not necessarily total abstinence for everyone," said Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, director of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, a government agency.

From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 2026

And they’ve gotten smarter than the used-gum, spit-cup abstinence proponents of my youth.

From Slate ● Jul. 28, 2026

Then, in 1894, the Kellogg brothers — also advocates of vegetarianism, exercise, abstinence from meat and alcohol, and other principles of that “clean living movement” — accidentally developed Corn Flakes.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 21, 2026

It also noted his "lifelong abstinence" from tobacco and alcohol.

From BBC ● May 30, 2026

This abstinence does not result from unique environmental conditions such as a severe lack of food or want of potential mates.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari


Vocabulary lists containing abstinence

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training