celibate

A meetinghouse stood at the center of every village created by the Shakers, the separatist and celibate Christian religious sect founded in the 18th century that was devoted to communal living and simple, functional design.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 4, 2026

Ultimately, Sam decided to be celibate and invest in their fantasy life with their partner.

From Slate ● Sep. 25, 2025

I decided to spend some time celibate, to abstain not only from sex but also all the attendant activities, including dating and even flirting.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2024

Others pointed out that far more people were celibate for reasons that had nothing to do with not finding the right partner.

From Salon ● May 15, 2024

By instinct and principle he was a confirmed celibate: “Fortune, talent, health,—he had everything; but he was married,” was his lamentation over a friend.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 1 "Gichtel, Johann" to "Glory" by Various

It's also driven by the same sort of insecurity about masculinity that underlies the so-called Men's Rights Movement and the increasingly dangerous and self-destructive cult of self-described "involuntary celibates," or incels.

From Salon ● Oct. 26, 2021

Rodger belonged to a growing online community of men who identify as involuntary celibates, or “incels”.

From The Guardian ● Oct. 19, 2020

They also cannot remarry if their wives die, and must spend the rest of their priestly lives as celibates.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 14, 2020

Unlike Islamic State jihadists and white supremacists, incels — short for involuntary celibates — are not, as a group, preaching hatred by promising a path to redemption or salvation through violence.

From New York Times ● Aug. 9, 2019

This number of celibates was a standing protest against the moral sufficiency of the family life.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 8 "Chariot" to "Chatelaine" by Various