as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse
a widower who has maintained absolute celibacy since the death of his wife
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 celibacy
Redman has recently opened up about life-changing journey with celibacy.
—
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Jan. 2025
The story of celibacy is a story of not having or doing.
—Sarah Viren
june 4, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
Speaking with host Sherri Shepherd, the R&B singer shared more on his past experience with practicing celibacy, as well as his thoughts on nontraditional relationships.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 Mar. 2025
After witnessing that, Gregory made the decision to join the priesthood and took a vow of celibacy.
—Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for celibacy
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Jan. 2025
The story of celibacy is a story of not having or doing.
—Sarah Viren
june 4, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
Speaking with host Sherri Shepherd, the R&B singer shared more on his past experience with practicing celibacy, as well as his thoughts on nontraditional relationships.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 Mar. 2025
After witnessing that, Gregory made the decision to join the priesthood and took a vow of celibacy.
—Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for celibacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibacy
Noun
-
The Sport runs the spectrum from being an everyday steel sports watch, jostling with the Omega Speedmaster and Rolex Daytona for attention, to morphing into a red-carpet star in solid 18-karat gold with a gem-set bezel, to this monochrome purity.—
Thor Svaboe,
Robb Report,
14 July 2025
-
But the quest for ideological purity is present with Democrats as well, something illustrated by critiques of Senator John Fetterman and efforts by former co-vice chair of the Democratic Party David Hogg to support left-wing candidates in primary challenges against moderates.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
The Sisters of Mercy are an international community of Roman Catholic women who dedicate their lives to the Gospel of Jesus and take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
2 July 2025
-
The residents of the house had taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.—
Raul A. Reyes,
NBC news,
29 June 2025
Noun
-
Well, abstinence is always an option (albeit an impractical one).—
Zahra Thompson,
SELF,
2 July 2025
-
Studies show people with high novelty-seeking scores are more likely to start substance use and more likely to relapse after abstinence.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Celibacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celibacy. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share