abstain
verb (used without object)
to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually followed byfrom ).
will abstain
-
future tenseof abstain.future tense
Used to express actions, events, or states that have not yet occurred but are expected to happen.
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.
Ken Skates, interim Labour leader after Eluned Morgan lost her seat, has indicated that his group will abstain, as will sole Liberal Democrat MS Jane Dodds.
From BBC ● May 10, 2026
The U.S. expects the resolution to pass, according to two U.S. officials, who anticipate that both Russia and China will abstain rather than veto the measure.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 17, 2025
"I think it is more likely that China and Russia will abstain, register their skepticism about the plan and then sit back and watch the US struggle to put it into action," Gowan said.
From Barron's ● Nov. 17, 2025
During the coming four weeks, hundreds of millions of Muslims will abstain from food and water from dawn to dusk, before gathering with family and friends for indulgent nighttime meals.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 23, 2023
In concluding this notice of Roe, I cannot refrain from expressing a hope that gentlemen will abstain from the use of it.
From The Teesdale Angler by R. Lakeland
