abstain

verbCommon GRE wordMore A words

to deliberately refrain from doing something

In a sentence

Abstain in a sentence

Here is an example sentence showing abstain in a sentence.

Two senators chose to abstain rather than vote on the divisive measure.

Synonyms

refrainforbeardesist

Antonyms

Keep going

to lower in rank, dignity, or self-respect

to make someone feel embarrassed or ashamed

to lessen in intensity or amount

to formally give up power or responsibility

departing from what is normal or expected

a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected

a state of temporary suspension or inactivity

to regard with strong disgust or hatred

Common questions

Abstain (verb) means to deliberately refrain from doing something

Here is abstain used in an example sentence: "Two senators chose to abstain rather than vote on the divisive measure."

Common synonyms for abstain include refrain, forbear, desist.

Antonyms of abstain include indulge, partake, yield.

Abstain is a GRE-level vocabulary word worth knowing for the Verbal section.

Vocabulary sticks when you meet it in real sentences. Practise these words inside text completion and sentence equivalence questions.