abstain

[ab-steyn] / æbˈsteɪn /

VERB

hold back from doing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cease forgo pass up quit refrain renounce shun withhold

STRONG

abjure abnegate avoid constrain curb decline eschew evade fast forbear pass refuse spurn starve stop

WEAK

deny oneself do without fence-sit give the go by give up go on the wagon keep from sit on one's hands sit on the fence sit out take the cure take the pledge

Antonyms

STRONGEST

continue do

STRONG

accept allow embrace encourage face meet use want

WEAK

indulge

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.

The rest of the lawmakers were absent or abstained from voting.

From Seattle Times

Diplomats said it is almost certain to be approved, though Russia and China might abstain.

From Seattle Times

“I abstained because I am not going to vote for something I don’t believe.”

From Seattle Times

The result was a massive thumbs up - 26 fans voted against, nine abstained… a penny for their thoughts now.

From BBC

While 26 supporters voted against, and nine abstained, from the takeover, trust members overwhelmingly backed the buyout to the tune of 98.6%

From BBC

abstain

Example Sentences

Related Words