abstainer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'abstainer' is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a person who voluntarily refrains from indulging in or consuming something, usually alcohol or drugs. Example: The group of abstainers at the party were enjoying their mocktails and engaging in meaningful conversations instead of getting drunk like the rest of the crowd.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The surly abstainer was Belgium, which held out for its candidate, Paul de Grauwe, an economist though mainly to put down a marker for a future Benelux candidate.Mr Papademos fits the job's needs, at least.

The Economist

If you're looking for 'infilitrators' in Labour, look at the abstainer MPs and Liz Kendall: a Tory in disguise http://t.co/Acj2mFK2q3 The leadership campaign continues, for now.

Independent

Perhaps, then, the reason Dry January is seen as such a challenge isn't the abstinence itself, but the fear of how the abstainer will be perceived by their peers.

Independent

For many, the promise of increased productivity is the most appealing aspect of joining Hello Sunday Morning; as one abstainer put it, "I didn't lose any more of my life to feeling average".

The New Yorker

GARY CARTER A noted abstainer amid a clubhouse notoriously full of bar flies and night owls.

The New York Times - Sports

On Feb. 25, an abstainer was dosed with four grains of caffeine (260 milligrams, the approximate equivalent of a 12-ounce cup of Starbucks coffee): "Gradual rise of spirits till 4 00.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

But some people (like me) find it much easier to abstain altogether from a temptation, like sweets or a video game; for abstainers, having some is far harder than having none.

The Guardian - Opinion

When abstainers are excluded the national averages look extremely different.

The Economist

France drinks a lot, but because it has one of the lowest rate of abstainers at just 5%, it ranks 113th compared with 20th.

The Economist

But it has been lobbying hard, especially in Latin America.Mexico (see article) and Peru, abstainers in the past, both said they would back a Uruguayan motion.

The Economist

Together, the PP and the Socialists may be close to an overall majority, even above it if they can get might-be abstainers to vote.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "abstainer", clearly specify what the person is abstaining from, especially if it's not immediately obvious from the context. For example, "an abstainer from social media".

Common error

Avoid using "abstainer" when you actually mean someone who practices moderation. An abstainer completely refrains from something, while someone practicing moderation consumes it in limited quantities.

Linguistic Context

The term "abstainer" functions primarily as a noun, designating an individual who practices abstinence. Ludwig and real-world examples illustrate its use to identify people who refrain from specific activities or substances, like alcohol or political participation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

The New Yorker

10%

The New York Times

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "abstainer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, denoting someone who practices abstinence from a specific substance or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's primarily found in news and media contexts, reflecting discussions on health, politics, and lifestyle choices. While synonyms like "teetotaler" or "ascetic" exist, "abstainer" offers a neutral and widely applicable term. When using "abstainer", it's essential to clearly specify the substance or activity being avoided to prevent ambiguity. By understanding these subtleties, writers can use the term accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one who abstains

A more formal and direct way of describing an abstainer.

one who practices abstinence

Emphasizes the conscious practice of abstaining.

teetotaler

Specifically refers to someone who abstains from alcohol.

sober individual

Refers specifically to someone who abstains from alcohol or drugs, often in recovery.

nondrinker

Simply indicates someone who does not drink alcohol.

refrainer

Someone who actively chooses to hold back or restrain themselves from something.

ascetic

Implies abstaining from worldly pleasures, often for religious reasons.

non-user

A general term that refers to someone who does not use a particular substance.

self-denier

Highlights the act of denying oneself certain desires or comforts.

non-participant

General term indicating someone who does not take part in a particular activity.

FAQs

What does the word "abstainer" mean?

The word "abstainer" refers to a person who voluntarily refrains from indulging in or consuming something, typically alcohol or drugs, but it can apply to other things as well.

What are some synonyms for "abstainer"?

Synonyms for "abstainer" include "teetotaler", "nondrinker", "ascetic", and "self-denier", depending on the specific context.

How do I use "abstainer" in a sentence?

You can use "abstainer" to describe someone's lifestyle or choices, for example: "He is a strict abstainer from all forms of social media." or "She became an abstainer after realizing the negative impacts of alcohol."

Is there a difference between "abstainer" and "non-drinker"?

While both terms describe someone who doesn't drink alcohol, "abstainer" implies a conscious and deliberate choice to refrain, whereas "non-drinker" is a more general term that might simply indicate a lack of interest or habit.