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Synonyms

abstainer

American  
[ab-stey-ner] / æbˈsteɪ nər /

noun

  1. a person who abstains from something regarded as improper or unhealthy, especially the drinking of alcoholic beverages.

  2. a person who abstains from anything.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of abstainer

First recorded in 1525–35; abstain + -er 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

One notable abstainer is Apple, which has never participated -- preferring to show off new products at its own worldwide events, with the next one taking place on Wednesday.

From Barron's Feb. 27, 2026

“For parents across America,” writer and pickup line abstainer Angie Schmitt wrote last year, “the school car line is a daily punishment.”

From Slate Sep. 3, 2024

People want to enjoy a zero-proof cocktail — whether always, or just on occasion — with their friends, without standing out as an abstainer.

From Salon Dec. 16, 2023

But not from one notable abstainer, former President Trump, that self-described “very stable genius.”

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 6, 2023

He said he was a total abstainer himself, and did not think—and probably the audience agreed with him—he looked any the worse for it.

From The Little Gleaner, Vol. X. A Monthly Magazine for the Young by Various

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