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can't help

Idioms

Also,. Be unable to do otherwise. For example, I can't help thinking that the keys will turn up eventually, or He couldn't help but believe he would pass the entrance exam, or I cannot but applaud his efforts. The first of these phrases, can't help, is always followed by a present participle whereas the others take an infinitive. [c. 1700]

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.

See Examples For:

can't help

But we deeply agree on the most important principle: You can’t help people you don’t understand.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026

I understand where she’s coming from, but I can’t help feeling like it’s a bit ridiculous to essentially require an $80 cover charge for your birthday party.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 31, 2026

You can’t help but analyze the roller-coaster ride we’re all on: the art form we love within an industry that it necessitates.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026

"You just can't help but feel something," said Henderson.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026

After they walk away, I can’t help myself.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023