SELF-ABNEGATING Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

self-abnegating

adjective

ˌself-ˈab-ni-ˌgā-tiŋ

Definition of self-abnegating

as in ascetic

given to or marked by restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites obviously not for the self-abnegating vacationer, this luxury resort is for those whose budgets and appetites know no limit

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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 self-abnegating Mothers are often criticized or belittled for acting selflessly; it’s seen as weak and self-abnegating. — Danielle Crittenden, The Atlantic, 21 Apr. 2026 One of the West’s most glaring vulnerabilities to the influence of Russia—and China and Iran—is Hungary’s self-abnegating obeisance to those countries. — Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024 The president was characteristically decent and self-abnegating in his remarks. — Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 25 July 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for self-abnegating

Adjective

But there is a certain ascetic simplicity to this labyrinthine heritage building that remains relatively unadorned.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
And there were posters tearing apart his otherworldly self-projection as a fakir, or ascetic, depicting him in his monogrammed suits, designer sunglasses, and aircraft.

— Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of ascetic

Adjective

How demographics and diversification shape Suntoryâ€™s strategy Investors have grown concerned that young consumers are more abstemious than their parents were at the same age.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Lunchtimes are more abstemious with avocado and tuna packed poke bowls and watermelon salad at the W lounge.

— Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Definition of abstemious

Adjective

But while southern regions warmed up, the weather on the Isle of Skye remained temperate.

— Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026
The scientists spotted the fungus during fieldwork in the temperate coniferous forests near Damaidi and Yipinglang and in a tropical rainforest near Nanbang in southern China.

— Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of temperate

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self-abandonment

self-abnegating

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“Self-abnegating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/self-abnegating. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of self-abnegating

adjective

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