There are a variety of synonyms for the phrase "abstained from" that can be used to convey the act of refraining from doing something. One common synonym is "refrained from," which can be used in a variety of contexts to indicate that someone has chosen not to engage in a particular activity or behavior. Other potential synonyms include "resisted," "avoided," "eschewed," "forbore," and "opted out." Depending on the context in which the phrase is being used, different synonyms may be more appropriate than others. Ultimately, the key is to choose a synonym that accurately conveys the intended meaning of the phrase and fits with the overall tone and style of the writing.