Definitions

abstain

[ab-steyn] / æbˈsteɪn /

VERB

hold back from doing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cease forgo pass up quit refrain renounce shun withhold

STRONG

abjure abnegate avoid constrain curb decline eschew evade fast forbear pass refuse spurn starve stop

WEAK

deny oneself do without fence-sit give the go by give up go on the wagon keep from sit on one's hands sit on the fence sit out take the cure take the pledge

Antonyms

STRONGEST

continue do

STRONG

accept allow embrace encourage face meet use want

WEAK

indulge

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Whatever Evie’s goals, it’s unlikely the issue will lead its readers to actually abstain until marriage.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

The government holds a majority in the House of Commons, so a large number of Labour MPs would have to vote for an inquiry or abstain in order for one to be launched.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

It was to protect worshippers that Israel had asked people of all faiths to "temporarily abstain" from worshipping at all the holy sites in Jerusalem's Old City, he added.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

European diplomats said it had been unclear until shortly before the vote whether Washington would again abstain or oppose it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

But I have jus enough sense left to abstain.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Vocabulary lists containing abstain

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100 Top "SAT" Words

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Electoral Elocution: The Verbiage of Voting

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