CELIBACIES Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

celibacy

noun

ˈse-lə-bə-sē

Definition of celibacy

as in purity

abstention from sexual intercourse a widower who has maintained absolute celibacy since the death of his wife

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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.

Recent Examples of celibacy Following Landsman's arrest, Lindsie revealed on the May 18 episode of her podcast, The Southern Tea that she's taken a yearlong vow of celibacy. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026 Their intent was to flee religious persecution in England and bring the New World closer to God, via a faith whose central tenets included celibacy and gender equality, and a worship practice defined by shaking during prayer. — Monica Hesse, Washington Post, 15 Jan. 2026 As the world outside begins to resemble the full-moon mating frenzy of the opalescent squid, crack open Sylvia Townsend Warner’s 1948 novel about nuns eking out an existence in a 14th-century convent and one night of celibacy might not seem so bad. — Air Mail, 14 Feb. 2026 The Eternal Values promise Mierers lured followers in with discussions of enlightenment and mental clarity, often revolving around diet, exercise, celibacy, and the willingness to give up material possessions. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for celibacy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibacy

Noun

Law enforcement later searched two locations in connection with the investigation into Hidrogo including a storage facility in Fort Worth where officers found 244 kilograms of meth with a purity level of 100 percent and more firearms.

— Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 July 2026
In Christianity, doves are associated with the Holy Spirit and symbolize purity and faith.

— Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Definition of purity

Noun

Many hijinks ensue, including a trip to Persia, a secret pregnancy, many threats to the life and chastity of the young couple, and a war in Egypt that unexpectedly solves everyone’s problems.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
To be eligible for matching, Unificationists needed to be members of the church for at least three years, and they were expected to practice chastity.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026

Definition of chastity

Noun

For this class, federal action (or inaction) makes or breaks their communities and livelihoods, with their frustration channeled through abstinence in the political process.

— Alex Rosado, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026
What may be more important, according to Elton, is the psychological value of abstinence.

— Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

Definition of abstinence

Browse Nearby Words

celestial

celibacy

celibate

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“Celibacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celibacy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of celibacy

noun

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