abstinence

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.

It concludes a 40-day period known as Lent, during which Christians focus on prayer, almsgiving, and practice traditions such as abstinence from eating meat on certain days.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Nevertheless, Cassian prescribed abstinence not as “‘virtuous in itself’ but because of its positive effects on the soul.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

They are concerned that encouraging abstinence from particular foods could trigger binge eating and extreme dieting to compensate.

From Salon • Oct. 13, 2025

Along with her fiancé, they have committed to abstinence until after their wedding.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2024

Fifteen minutes later, noticing that the supply of hot dogs in the little well was visibly diminishing, he decided in favor of abstinence for the moment.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole