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.

While they released the letter spelling out their dissent, the Fed clarified that Bowman had abstained from the vote.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

The sudden closures created bottlenecks of people, most of whom had abstained from food and water all day.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 17, 2023

That was the case at Independence, where a half-dozen players had abstained from the school soccer team because of club commitments.

From Washington Post • Apr. 17, 2023

"I don't think you're right about this," Sweet replied, before detailing the term "death recorded" in fact meant that judges had abstained from handing down a death sentence.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2019

She had abstained with wonderful discretion; and she now intended that her discretion should be rewarded.

From The Bertrams by Trollope, Anthony