Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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

In the run-up to the hearings, the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages Sabarimala, has urged the court to refrain from questioning faith-based practices.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 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

And for him a new refrain: I am the guard who opened the gates and let the foe march through.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Vocabulary lists containing refrain

List 2

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

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

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Reading: Literature - Poetry - Introductory

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!