abstinence

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.

It concludes a 40-day period known as Lent, during which Christians focus on prayer, almsgiving, and practice traditions such as abstinence from eating meat on certain days.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

That’s not to suggest that abstinence alone has turned Team USA into champions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 11, 2025

"Dead people can't recover, and overwhelmingly the research shows that there's no opposition between harm reduction and abstinence goals."

From Salon • May 24, 2025

"Because Friday was the day of the crucifixion, Fridays were always regarded as a day of penance and abstinence," he said.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2024

Fifteen minutes later, noticing that the supply of hot dogs in the little well was visibly diminishing, he decided in favor of abstinence for the moment.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole