Thesaurus results for CELIBATE

celibate

adjective

Definition of celibate

as in chaste

not engaging in sexual intercourse celibate monks and nuns They have chosen to lead celibate lives.

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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 celibate In 1807, the Harmonists took a vow to remain celibate, which required them to build more community houses as the number of unwed society members grew. — Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025 The trailer is riveting and unsettling – just as the celibate Shakers were to the average observer during their American emergence in the 1780s. — Christian Goodwillie, The Conversation, 22 Dec. 2025 And celibacy, as Christ was celibate. — Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 For many traditionalists, effective enforcement of this teaching would mean cracking down on homosexuality among the clergy, including gay clergy who are celibate and chaste. — Massimo Faggioli, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2018 See All Example Sentences for celibate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for celibate

Adjective

Then there was the rather chaste kiss on Evans’s show late last year.

— Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2026
Deadhead your chaste tree in late winter to promote flowering in the spring and summer months.

— Steve Bender, Southern Living, 19 May 2026

Definition of chaste

Adjective

Not everybody needs to spend the rest of their life totally abstinent with a cup of shitty coffee in a Styrofoam cup regurgitating platitudes.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
One of the sacrifices Dolan mentioned in his speech was staying abstinent.

— Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

Definition of abstinent

Adjective

The female figures of the Three Graces represent the literal gift of a woman giving her virginal body to a man as property bestowed upon a new owner.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
Kris and Billy watch that one together in an intimate sleepover, sinking into the murky texture of a scene in which the virginal actor allowed a jerk to take off her clothes.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of virginal

Adjective

When model Tricia Helfer came in for a touch-up before an introductory visit to her boyfriend’s parents, Johns toned down her bright blonde chunks to play up her naturally innocent looks.

— Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
In a cruel coup de grace, Acosta reached into Shuler’s bag to steal an item while the innocent customer was still alive, prosecutors said.

— John Annese, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of innocent

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celibacy

celibate

cell

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“Celibate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/celibate. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of celibate

adjective

Example Sentences

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