refrain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Private individuals cannot demand that automobile manufacturers refrain from placing passenger cars with internal combustion engines on the market" ahead of European Union deadlines, it said.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

The all-caps ad beckoned Tipton with an oft-used refrain directed at protagonist Carol Sturka: “We’re Sorry We Upset You, Carol.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Phil and who will conduct Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at the Bowl this summer, is making Beethoven a refrain of his first season in New York, as well.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

The refrain “I was just doing my job” wears thin awfully fast.

From Slate • Mar. 16, 2026

She heard the song of the white throated sparrow, and was soothed by the piercing refrain.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich