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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.

I’m reminded of Kurt Vonnegut’s refrain in “Slaughterhouse-Five.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

Earlier this month, the Kuwaiti interior ministry urged members of the public to "refrain from spreading rumours or sharing unverified videos and images", state media reported.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Analysts expect outgoing BOK Governor Rhee Chang-yong to refrain from offering clear guidance at his final policy meeting before his term ends on April 20.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Strategy disclosed Monday something it rarely does — refrain from buying bitcoin.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

“If you will refrain from echoing either the last clause or the last word of everything I say to you, I will be much obliged. Home. Yes, home.”

From "Go Set a Watchman: A Novel" by Harper Lee

Vocabulary lists containing refrain

List 2

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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Reading: Literature - Poetry - Introductory

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