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.

The surtitles intentionally refrain from translating much of what he says, leaving the audience to rely on his loony spoken tone and loony tunes to carry meaning.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Oil prices edged lower and stocks reversed some of Thursday’s losses as U.S. officials sought to calm markets and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Israel would refrain from future strikes against Iranian oil fields.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

They demanded Tehran "immediately refrain" and -- alongside the call for a safe corridor -- requested a "coordinated international approach to the safety of navigation" in the region.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

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

From Slate • Mar. 16, 2026

But when, cunningly and influenced by ambition, they refrain from committing themselves to you, this is a sign that they think more of themselves than of you.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli