ABSTAIN Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

abstain

verb

Definition of abstain

as in to refuse

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of abstain If one or more commissioners choose to abstain from a merger vote because of ethical concerns, what would happen next is unclear. — ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026 Women are therefore advised to abstain from all drinking during pregnancy. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 11 June 2026 Buried not so deep in the bylaws and statutes that legally define FIFA, is a pledge that the organization will abstain from the vagaries of politics. — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 8 June 2026 Five voted against, including Brown, and five others abstained — all of whom are appointed or elected with CTU support. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for abstain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstain

Verb

The court may, in fact, be on the verge of requiring taxpayers to fund religious schools that refuse to admit LGBTQ students and parents.

— Nina Totenberg, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026
The snack company refused and asked the band to stop throwing Cheez-Its from the stage.

— Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of refuse

Verb

But Moscow has rejected a ceasefire, saying a comprehensive peace deal must be agreed rather than a temporary truce.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
The groups behind the #BlockTheMerger coalition, which had amassed more than 5,700 signatories from actors, filmmakers and industry workers opposed to the deal, filed a brief with the court urging Martínez-Olguín to reject the settlement.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of reject

Verb

Much of the film plays out in close-up as Alex watches, plays, thinks, hesitates.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
But the clearest lesson from Iowa is that states that engage early and set smart terms come out ahead, while those that hesitate watch the investment head elsewhere.

— Jeff Danielson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of hesitate

Verb

Assad lied and temporized, the official said.

— Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
Accompanying these principles must be a rejection of the impulse to temporize about the dangers that confront us and a rejection of the bizarre deprecation of our nation and civilization.

— Peter J. Travers, National Review, 29 Mar. 2022

Definition of temporize

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absorption

abstain

abstained

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“Abstain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstain. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of abstain

verb

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