Definition of continencenext
1
as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse argued for a pregnancy-prevention program that did not put so much faith in the continence of teenagers

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2
3
4
as in temperance
voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites a gambling mecca that has a reputation for being the sort of place where caution and continence are thrown to the wind

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 continence After the second session, the authors reported that the woman had even greater speech capabilities, more facial expressions and humor, increased walking agility and continued continence. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026 These are the muscles that play a critical role in supporting our pelvic organs and maintaining continence. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 The pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus and bowel), controls the body’s continence mechanisms and helps with core stability. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 Good posture helps maintain continence, support pelvic organs, and reduce back pain. Staci Tanouye, Parents, 29 Aug. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continence
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
Noun
  • Last fall, Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island became the first in the country to launch an in person, three-year bachelor’s degree in specific disciplines.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
  • In Aries, the taskmaster planet brings maturity and discipline to a Fire sign associated with independence, impulse and passion.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration.
    Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • In the winter of 1920, the United States entered Prohibition in the United States after years of campaigning by temperance groups who believed alcohol sat at the root of many social ills.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Another was promoting temperance realizing alcoholism could destroy families.
    Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • The group encouraged awareness and emotional discipline, discouraged alcohol and drugs, and demanded celibacy in its early years.
    JP Mangalindan, Time, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • Anderson Daniel Salcedo Lozano, 22, grew up amid the chaos of the Maduro years, which were marked by long lines for bread and medicine, rising infant mortality, spiraling inflation and the violent repression of protests.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • In Venezuela, where confidence in institutions had already eroded after years of economic collapse and political repression, the earthquake may be accelerating that process.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026
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
Noun
  • Put inhibitions aside to experience the latest episode of Doc Talk, hosted by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave, Shirley), and Matt Carey, Deadline’s senior documentary editor.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 June 2026
  • Darkness removes that inhibition and allows the pineal gland to release melatonin.
    Sally Ibrahim, The Conversation, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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