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
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
This assumption persists, despite numerous studies’ showing that medication can reduce the risk of overdose far more than abstinence alone — and that in some cases abstinence may even increase the risk of overdose later.
—Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Here's what to know about Dry January, the alcohol abstinence challenge
Non-alcoholic beer and low alcohol on the rise
As sales of alcoholic beverages have plateaued, sales of non-alcoholic beer, drinks and spirits have intensified, up 27% in 2024.
—Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
The Jubilee call to Catholics to consider technology abstinence as a mark of spiritual devotion is very much in line with the pope’s move toward becoming more vocal and critical in his views about how technology is affecting society.
—Heidi A. Campbell, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025
Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence for many Catholics and other Christian denominations.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Here's what to know about Dry January, the alcohol abstinence challenge
Non-alcoholic beer and low alcohol on the rise
As sales of alcoholic beverages have plateaued, sales of non-alcoholic beer, drinks and spirits have intensified, up 27% in 2024.
—Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
The Jubilee call to Catholics to consider technology abstinence as a mark of spiritual devotion is very much in line with the pope’s move toward becoming more vocal and critical in his views about how technology is affecting society.
—Heidi A. Campbell, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025
Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence for many Catholics and other Christian denominations.
—John Bacon, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for abstinence
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abstinence. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share