abstain

The word “abstain” has 2 syllables: ab-stain

It's pronounced as /əbˈsteɪn/


What is synonym and antonym for abstain?

In the thesaurus, “abstain” has 13 synonyms and 9 antonyms.

Here are synonyms and antonyms for abstain along with examples of usage in sentences.


Synonyms for abstain

  • cease
  • forgo
  • hesitate
  • pass up
  • quit
  • refrain
  • refuse
  • reject
  • renounce
  • shun
  • temporize
  • turn down
  • withhold

Antonyms for abstain

  • choose
  • conclude
  • continue
  • decide
  • determine
  • do
  • figure
  • opt
  • resolve

Meanings of abstain

  • verb
    1. Keep or withhold oneself.
    2. Refrain from (something or doing something); keep from doing, especially an indulgence.
    3. Fast (not eat for a period).
    4. Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.
    5. Hinder; keep back; withhold.

Example Sentences

  • I've decided to abstain from eating sweets for a month to improve my health.
  • As a recovering alcoholic, he made a conscious choice to abstain from drinking alcohol.
  • The doctor advised her to abstain from strenuous exercise until her injury healed.
  • In order to maintain objectivity, the jury members were instructed to abstain from discussing the case outside the courtroom.
  • Some people choose to abstain from voting in elections as a form of protest.

On this page you'll find 22 synonyms, antonyms, or another words to abstain, such as: cease, choose, conclude, continue, decide, determine, do.

Make sure to choose synonyms and antonyms that are appropriate for the context of the sentence.

Related Words

had done with

  • abandoned
  • abstain
  • accomplish
  • achieve
  • cancel
  • cease
  • ceased
  • clinch
  • close
  • complete
  • conclude
  • cut off
  • decline
  • disband
  • discontinued
  • disown
  • dissolve
  • do
  • dropped
  • end
  • ended
  • expel
  • forgo
  • forswear
  • give up
  • halted
  • jettison
  • laid off
  • leave
  • left off
  • let go
  • lose
  • make
  • play out
  • quit
  • quitted
  • reject
  • release
  • relinquish
  • renounce
  • repudiate
  • set aside
  • settle
  • spurn
  • stop
  • stopped
  • wind up
  • wrap up

Browse the Thesaurus