self-denial

noun

ˌself-di-ˈnī(-ə)l How to pronounce self-denial (audio)
Definition of self-denialnext
1
as in refusal
the act or practice of giving up or rejecting something once enjoyed or desired dieting is an endless exercise in self-denial

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in temperance
voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites self-indulgent even when she was poor, she wasn't about to practice self-denial after getting rich

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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-denial Crace transports readers two thousand years into the past to a stark Biblical landscape full of visceral encounters, violence, self-denial, and possible miracles. — Mia Barzilay Freund, Vogue, 7 July 2025 But the biblical term for self-denial – inui – has another meaning. — Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 7 Oct. 2024 Loneliness gets to the heart of the spiritual dissatisfaction and self-denial seen post-Covid and in both the pro-Hamas and pro–George Floyd rioting. — Armond White, National Review, 10 May 2024 When the connection between them intensifies, Daniel becomes unsatisfied with clandestine hookups, wanting more, while Jack’s self-denial and wariness of potential exposure are tough habits to kick. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for self-denial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-denial
  1. refusal
  2. temperance
  3. denial
  4. renunciation
  5. abnegation
Noun
  • There are many legitimate reasons to bash Becerra, from his refusal to participate in more debates to his paltry number of public rallies to a platform that sounds like more of what created California’s current woes.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Plus, Swifties saw Swift and Alwyn’s refusal to make joint public appearances as a red flag.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of refusal
Noun
  • As the temperance movement grew, the Besley Brewery attempted to change with the times, but was later sold around 1912.
    — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Over his shoulder was an enormous portrait of the hatchet-wielding temperance crusader Carrie Nation, an icon of resistance to the excesses of the first Gilded Age, when similar discontent had roiled the prairies.
    — Kyle Paoletta, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of temperance
Noun
  • The denial comes in a record-breaking year for severe weather in Illinois, which leads the nation with about 212 tornadoes confirmed by the National Weather Service so far this year, according to Pritzker’s office.
    — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The notice may identify whether the action is a suspension, revocation, denial, or disqualification; cite the statutory or administrative basis for the action; state its effective date; and provide any hearing or petition deadline.
    — Karen Koehler, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of denial
Noun
  • This renunciation has had little impact on their progeny, who already studied them for years and viewed their content as a portrait of a viable future.
    — Margaux MacColl, Vanity Fair, 11 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
Definition of renunciation
Noun
  • Not one for false abnegation of words distorted by smears, Rushdie doubles down on his right to freedom of expression, defending his dissent from religious orthodoxy.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026
  • That, for me, feels like an abnegation of our responsibility in theater.
    — Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026
Definition of abnegation

Browse Nearby Words

self-critical
self-denial
self-denials
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on self-denial

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about self-denial

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