SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
self-denial
noun
The practice of refusing oneself a pleasure or desire, often for a larger purpose.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
Refusal of personal pleasure
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topSelf-denial gives up a desire or pleasure. Asceticism is a broader disciplined way of life; moderation limits indulgence without necessarily refusing it.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See self-denial in use
Saving for the expedition required months of self-denial and careful budgeting.
Noor's self-denial also included declining an appealing comedy outing so she could complete the promised measurements with her partner.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license