abstinence
noun
ab·sti·nence
ˈab-stə-nən(t)s 
1
: the practice of abstaining from something : the practice of not doing or having something that is wanted or enjoyable
… ate with a haste and an apparent relish, that seemed to betoken long abstinence from food.—
Walter Scott
Walter Scott2
a
: habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages
b
: abstention from sexual intercourse
abstinently
adverb
Synonyms
Examples of abstinence in a Sentence
The program promoted sexual abstinence for young people.
a cleric vainly preaching abstinence in a world where self-indulgence is regarded as almost a virtue
Recent Examples on the Web
Texture was never Eastwood’s strong point; his films have mainly been stark and spare, with a sense of style that can nearly be defined as an abstinence from style.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024
Those who knew Francis commonly attributed her longevity to her lifelong abstinence from alcohol and smoking.
—Dawn Sawyer, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024
Approaches range from abstinence and legislative attempts to ban cell phones in the classroom to barrier methods, such as Yondr, which provides bags to sequester the objects during the day.
—Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
Many programs, however, enforce strict abstinence policies, disqualifying those who test positive for cannabis or its constituent cannabinoids from receiving treatment.
—Joao P. De Aquino, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abstinence 
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Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024
Those who knew Francis commonly attributed her longevity to her lifelong abstinence from alcohol and smoking.
—Dawn Sawyer, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024
Approaches range from abstinence and legislative attempts to ban cell phones in the classroom to barrier methods, such as Yondr, which provides bags to sequester the objects during the day.
—Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024
Many programs, however, enforce strict abstinence policies, disqualifying those who test positive for cannabis or its constituent cannabinoids from receiving treatment.
—Joao P. De Aquino, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for abstinence
Dictionary Entries Near abstinence
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abstinence. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
abstinence
noun
ab·sti·nence
ˈab-stə-nən(t)s
1
: an abstaining from giving in to an appetite or from eating some foods
2
a
: habitual abstaining from drinking alcoholic beverages
b
: abstention from sexual intercourse
abstinently
adverb
Medical Definition
abstinence
noun
ab·sti·nence
ˈab-stə-nən(t)s
: the act or practice of abstaining especially from engagement in sexual intercourse or consumption of intoxicating beverages
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