self-denial

noun

self-de·​ni·​al ˌself-di-ˈnī(-ə)l How to pronounce self-denial (audio)
Synonyms of self-denialnext
: a restraint or limitation of one's own desires or interests

Synonyms of self-denial

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Examples of self-denial in a Sentence

dieting is an endless exercise in self-denial self-indulgent even when she was poor, she wasn't about to practice self-denial after getting rich
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the biblical term for self-denial – inui – has another meaning. — Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 7 Oct. 2024 Old family patterns or inner-child wounds could surface, not to derail you, but to remind you that leadership doesn’t mean emotional self-denial. — Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 21 Dec. 2025 On Ash Wednesday, many Christians go to church for a service that emphasizes the start of a season of reflection, self-denial and repentance from sin. — ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026 Loneliness gets to the heart of the spiritual dissatisfaction and self-denial seen post-Covid and in both the pro-Hamas and pro–George Floyd rioting. — Armond White, National Review, 10 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for self-denial

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-denial was in 1605

Rhymes for self-denial

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Browse Nearby Words

self-delusion
self-denial
self-denied
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Cite this Entry

“Self-denial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-denial. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

self-denial

noun
self-de·​ni·​al
ˌself-di-ˈnī(-ə)l
: the refusal to satisfy one's own desires

More from Merriam-Webster on self-denial

Nglish: Translation of self-denial for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about self-denial

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