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celibacy

[sel-uh-buh-see] / ˈsɛl ə bə si /
NOUN
abstinence from sexual activity
Synonyms
Antonyms
WEAK
promiscuousness


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.

See Examples For:

In Thailand, Buddhist monks take a vow of celibacy and also renounce material possessions.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

The ecstasies of attraction are sublimated into their long conversations about Boethius and Hildegard von Bingen, or about the suddenly debatable issues of contraception and clerical celibacy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026

Driven to the edge of her mind with grief, Ann reconciles her misery with a vow of celibacy.

From Salon ● Dec. 27, 2025

The mandatory celibacy aside, preserving my fertility at 35 and pondering what it meant for prospective partners had clouded my usual fervor.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 19, 2025

He was a knight of the Kingsguard, sworn to celibacy.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin


Vocabulary lists containing celibacy

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