Definition of self-abnegatingnext
as in ascetic
given to or marked by restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites obviously not for the self-abnegating vacationer, this luxury resort is for those whose budgets and appetites know no limit

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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 self-abnegating Mothers are often criticized or belittled for acting selflessly; it’s seen as weak and self-abnegating. — Danielle Crittenden, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2026 One of the West’s most glaring vulnerabilities to the influence of Russia—and China and Iran—is Hungary’s self-abnegating obeisance to those countries. — Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024 The president was characteristically decent and self-abnegating in his remarks. — Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 25 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-abnegating
Adjective
  • And there were posters tearing apart his otherworldly self-projection as a fakir, or ascetic, depicting him in his monogrammed suits, designer sunglasses, and aircraft.
    — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Then, over the following years, came sustainability and strict reuse and ascetic renunciation, and today, finally, its photo series and articles advocated for a mild, slightly quirky anticapitalist metaphysics.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Lunchtimes are more abstemious with avocado and tuna packed poke bowls and watermelon salad at the W lounge.
    — Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
  • His first term now looks practically abstemious.
    — Erin Neil, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • No other environments in the solar system share the temperate environment of Earth — there's either too much heat or too much cold, too much radiation or not enough light, too much acidity or toxic materials.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The lake creates a temperate microclimate that sustains one of the country’s most productive fruit-growing regions—and makes this the best possible place to forget a packed lunch.
    — Mike Norton, Midwest Living, 26 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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