celibate

adjective

Definition of celibatenext
as in chaste
not engaging in sexual intercourse celibate monks and nuns They have chosen to lead celibate lives.

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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 celibate In 1807, the Harmonists took a vow to remain celibate, which required them to build more community houses as the number of unwed society members grew. — Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025 The trailer is riveting and unsettling – just as the celibate Shakers were to the average observer during their American emergence in the 1780s. — Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025 And celibacy, as Christ was celibate. — Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 For many traditionalists, effective enforcement of this teaching would mean cracking down on homosexuality among the clergy, including gay clergy who are celibate and chaste. — Massimo Faggioli, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2018 See All Example Sentences for celibate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibate
  1. chaste
  2. abstinent
  3. unmarried
  4. virginal
  5. innocent
  6. virgin
Adjective
  • Then there was the rather chaste kiss on Evans’s show late last year.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2026
  • Deadhead your chaste tree in late winter to promote flowering in the spring and summer months.
    — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
Definition of chaste
Adjective
  • The body of research on non-abstinent recovery has been growing as well.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Not everybody needs to spend the rest of their life totally abstinent with a cup of shitty coffee in a Styrofoam cup regurgitating platitudes.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of abstinent
Adjective
  • Lizzie’s status as an unmarried 32-year-old woman at the time of Andrew and Abby’s deaths was highly unusual, however, leading some historians to speculate about her sexuality, which would not have been openly discussed in the Victorian era.
    — Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
  • In a reversal, a California regulator says unmarried drivers should not pay more for auto insurance.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of unmarried
Adjective
  • For her portrayal of the virginal Catholic girl who persuades Terry to take a stand and make something of himself, Saint won the best supporting actress Oscar in 1955.
    — Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The female figures of the Three Graces represent the literal gift of a woman giving her virginal body to a man as property bestowed upon a new owner.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of virginal
Adjective
  • Since then, Verity had been faking her vegetative state in order to … that part doesn’t entirely make sense, but the point is Lowen and Jeremy killed an innocent woman.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The suspects are innocent unless proven guilty by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of innocent
Adjective
  • Compared with other recycling initiatives, Weavabel said the loop is fully integrated across warehouses, factories and distribution centers, giving brands a scalable path to extend the life of their packaging and reduce reliance on virgin plastic.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Corto Olive, a leader in California extra virgin olive oil production, has long been a favorite of chefs and home cooks alike.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of virgin

Browse Nearby Words

celibacy
celibate
cell
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Cite this Entry

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

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