CONTINENCE Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

continence

noun

ˈkän-tə-nən(t)s

Definition of continence

as in purity

abstention from sexual intercourse argued for a pregnancy-prevention program that did not put so much faith in the continence of teenagers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in discipline

the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others experiencing a moment of unusual continence, I refrained from returning her gratuitous insult

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in restraint

the power to control one's actions, impulses, or emotions a religious sect that demanded nearly superhuman continence from its adherents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in temperance

voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites a gambling mecca that has a reputation for being the sort of place where caution and continence are thrown to the wind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 continence It’s often affected by pressure changes in the abdominal cavity, particularly in pregnant or obese persons, which in turn affect urination and continence. — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026 After the second session, the authors reported that the woman had even greater speech capabilities, more facial expressions and humor, increased walking agility and continued continence. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026 These are the muscles that play a critical role in supporting our pelvic organs and maintaining continence. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 The pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs (the bladder, uterus and bowel), controls the body’s continence mechanisms and helps with core stability. — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 Good posture helps maintain continence, support pelvic organs, and reduce back pain. — Staci Tanouye, Parents, 29 Aug. 2023

Recent Examples of Synonyms for continence

Noun

The nod to purity emphasized the paint brand’s relationship to cleanliness and virtue, and possibly other notions of bigotry.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026
At the same time, brands such as Bottega Veneta offered a more discreet form of luxury rooted in purity of design and craftsmanship.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of purity

Noun

With artists from across disciplines bringing traditional forms into dialogue with new media, the selection showcases a new wave of cross-disciplinary experimentation.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Open Air connects fragrance with disciplines ranging from food, music, fashion, design and nightlife to spirituality and social service.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

Having dressed numerous actresses throughout her career, Chiuri sees a shift in red carpet culture toward individualized creations and, more recently, greater restraint.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
In an era when high-performance vehicles often grow larger, heavier, and more complex with each successive generation, part of the Carrera T’s appeal lies in its restraint.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

As the temperance movement grew, the Besley Brewery attempted to change with the times, but was later sold around 1912.

— Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Founded in 1961 by a puppeteer who acquired a former Victorian temperance hall damaged during the Blitz of World War II, the theater holds one of the world’s last remaining double marionette bridges, suitable for long-string puppets.

— Kelly Kasulis Cho, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of temperance

Noun

By all accounts, the real Grandier was a handsome, charismatic speaker as well as a serial philanderer who spoke out against clerical celibacy.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Gen Z’s apparent celibacy has been the subject of plenty of punditry, and yet fictional romance is only getting steamier.

— Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of celibacy

Noun

The future of Indian democracy hinges on whether this contest opens up more democratic space or leads to greater repression.

— Pratap Bhanu Mehta, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026
To play Sebastian, Guitarrica had to immerse himself in the character’s emotional repression, from which music is his only escape.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of repression

Noun

The government’s more expansive hijab and chastity law was suspended but not repealed.

— Pegah Banihashemi, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
The only exception comes once a year, when the nationwide chastity mandate is temporarily lifted and the use of protection is mandatory.

— Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of chastity

Noun

In my experience, the involvement of ketamine or other drugs invariably makes a bad situation worse – complicating consent, impairing judgment and reducing inhibitions.

— Christopher P. Holstege, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2026
Many visual motifs emerge, most notably the men in the crowd who shed any inhibitions to cry, dance, and belt the songs at the top of their lungs.

— Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of inhibition

Browse Nearby Words

contiguous

continence

continent

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Style

“Continence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continence. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of continence

noun

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