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.

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

The all-caps ad beckoned Tipton with an oft-used refrain directed at protagonist Carol Sturka: “We’re Sorry We Upset You, Carol.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Phil and who will conduct Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at the Bowl this summer, is making Beethoven a refrain of his first season in New York, as well.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

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

From Slate • Mar. 16, 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