Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

celibacy

[sel-uh-buh-see] / ˈsɛl ə bə si /
NOUN
abstinence from sexual activity
Synonyms
Antonyms
WEAK
promiscuousness


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 ecstasies of attraction are sublimated into their long conversations about Boethius and Hildegard von Bingen, or about the suddenly debatable issues of contraception and clerical celibacy.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

The mandatory celibacy aside, preserving my fertility at 35 and pondering what it meant for prospective partners had clouded my usual fervor.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2025

Now that I’ve had some distance from it and can look at it more objectively, I’m finding that people in these testimonials change their behavior, enter into mixed-orientation marriages, or choose celibacy.

From Slate • Oct. 14, 2025

Under the Church's by-laws, only monks who took a vow of celibacy can be elected a Catholicos.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2025

But Taisin was going to be a sage, and sages made vows of celibacy.

From "Huntress" by Malinda Lo




Vocabulary lists containing celibacy


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "celibacy" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com