ABSTAIN (FROM) Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

abstain (from)

verb

əb-ˈstān

Definition of abstain (from)

as in to keep (from)

to resist the temptation of had to abstain from solid food before her surgery

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for abstain (from)

avoid

Verb

My habit of eschewing the news started as FOMO prevention but gradually transformed into a way to avoid the mounting horrors beyond our door.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
The Michigan State Police say the most serious deer-vehicle traffic crashes happen when drivers swerve to avoid striking the animal, and in the process strike something else or roll over their vehicle.

— Paula Wethington, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of avoid

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.

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abstainers

abstain (from)

abstaining

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“Abstain (from).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstain%20%28from%29. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of abstain (from)

verb

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