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Showing results for refrain.
Definitions

refrain

[ri-freyn] / rɪˈfreɪn /
NOUN
chorus of musical piece
Synonyms
STRONGEST
melody theme
STRONG
burden music song strain tune
WEAK
undersong
Antonyms
STRONG
silence
VERB
do without; keep from doing
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abstain avoid cease curb desist forgo halt renounce resist restrain
STRONG
arrest check eschew forbear inhibit interrupt keep pass quit stop withhold
WEAK
be temperate give up go on the wagon leave off not do pass up sit out take the cure take the pledge
Antonyms
STRONGEST
carry on continue indulge keep on use
STRONG
aid allow assist encourage help let go release
WEAK
do go ahead jump in

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.

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

From Slate • Mar. 16, 2026

As a result, the Fed might refrain from cutting U.S. interest rates again until oil prices subside.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

"We do not possess detailed information, including whether this was a measure for self-defence. Our country will refrain from making a legal assessment," she said on March 2.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

According to a statement shared at the time, Joel’s condition was affecting his hearing, vision and balance, and doctors recommended he refrain from performing for a while.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

It was his boast, his curse, his refrain.

From "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.