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.

Twenty six councillors voted for the motion and 27 against, while two councillors abstained from voting.

From BBC

Most voters our columnist spoke with are following the new rule to watch everything, or abstaining from certain categories.

From Los Angeles Times

A total of 135 MPs voted in favour, zero against and three abstained.

From BBC

If they support the motion or abstain, Reform would not have the numbers necessary to keep Finch in post.

From BBC

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

abstain

Example Sentences

Related Words