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

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told AFP that Israel should "refrain" from that measure, warning it would have "major humanitarian consequences".

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Employees should work from home, refrain from flying and use public transport, it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

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

From Slate • Mar. 16, 2026

I refrain from asking where she was last night.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak