refraining

NOUN

abstinence

Synonyms

STRONGEST

chastity fasting frugality moderation self-restraint

STRONG

abnegation abstemiousness asceticism avoidance continence forbearance renunciation self-control self-denial soberness sobriety teetotalism temperance

WEAK

abstaining cherry

Antonyms

WEAK

drunkenness excess indulgence intemperance intoxication revelry self-indulgence

NOUN

continence

Synonyms

STRONG

abstemiousness abstinence asceticism celibacy chastity forbearance moderation self-control sobriety temperance virtue

Antonyms

STRONG

excess indulgence intemperance wildness

NOUN

denial

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disapproval rebuttal rejection repudiation retraction veto

STRONG

adjuration brush-off contradiction declination disavowal disclaimer disproof dissent forswearing nay negation negative nix nonacceptance prohibition protestation rebuff refutal refutation renouncement renunciation repulse turndown

WEAK

abstaining cold shoulder controversion disallowance dismissing gainsaying noncommittal refusing rejecting renegement repudiating statement abnegation

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allowance approval confirmation ratification sanction

STRONG

agreement permission

WEAK

affirmation avowal claim corroboration vouching

NOUN

forbearance

Synonyms

STRONGEST

fortitude self-control

STRONG

abstinence endurance longanimity moderation patience resignation restraint temperance tolerance

WEAK

going easy on living with patientness

Antonyms

STRONG

agitation excess impatience indulgence intemperance intolerance wildness

WEAK

continuation involvement pursual

NOUN

sobriety

Synonyms

STRONG

abstemiousness continence moderation self-restraint soberness teetotalism temperance

WEAK

abstaining

Antonyms

STRONG

intemperance wildness

NOUN

traversal

Synonyms

STRONG

abnegation adjuration brush-off contradiction declination disaffirmation disapproval disavowal disclaimer disproof dissent forswearing nay negation negative nix nonacceptance prohibition protestation rebuff rebuttal refutal refutation rejection renouncement renunciation repudiation repulse retraction statement turndown veto

WEAK

abstaining cold shoulder controversion disaffirmance disallowance dismissing gainsaying noncommittal refusing rejecting renegement repudiating

Antonyms

STRONG

OK acceptance agreement allowance approval confirmation corroboration endorsement permission ratification sanction

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 Bank of Japan earlier this week held its short-term policy rate steady, with BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda refraining from providing a clear signal on the timing of the next rate move.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

A spokesperson for the CHP said that, out of respect for Cano’s family and the integrity of the review process, the agency was refraining from comment until it had “thoroughly examined” the medical examiner’s report.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

The Palace points to the King's unprecedented moves so far – stripping Andrew of titles and home, offering assistance, and refraining in any way from seeking favour from the authorities.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Some businesses are refraining from adding staff as they explore whether artificial intelligence could take on more tasks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Schiem showed his true gentlemanly nature by refraining from any crude comments as he lay a thick slice of steaming meat atop her piece of bread.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

refraining

Example Sentences

Related Words