How do you pronounce "abstention"?

In American English: /əbˈstɛntʃən/ (uhb-STEHNCH-uhn). In British English: /ɐbstˈɛnʃən/ (ⱯBST-ehnsh). In Canadian English: /əbˈstɛntʃən/ (uhb-STEHNCH-uhn). In Australian English: /ɐbstˈɛnʃən/ (ⱯBST-ehnsh).

Is "abstention" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /əbˈstɛntʃən/ (uhb-STEHNCH-uhn), while in British English it's /ɐbstˈɛnʃən/ (ⱯBST-ehnsh).

How to Pronounce "abstention"

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abstention

regional

/əbˈstɛntʃən/

uhb-STEHNCH-uhn

Syllable Breakdown

əbab·stɛntʃsten·əntion

Source

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Last updated: 2026-02-14