refrain
verb (used without object)
to abstain from an impulse to say or do something (often followed byfrom ).
has refrained
-
present perfectof refrain (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Notably, she added, “Iran has requested for China to be a guarantor for the cease-fire, a role China has refrained from accepting.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 9, 2026
What’s Next: Nike has refrained for several quarters from providing full-year guidance, but it expects third-quarter revenue to be down by a low single-digit percentage.
From Barron's ● Dec. 19, 2025
Despite this, India has refrained from imposing retaliatory tariffs against the US and has left the door ajar for further negotiations.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2025
She has refrained from voting on certain Paramount matters related to the company’s sale due to a conflict of interest.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 29, 2025
But he has refrained from doing this through love, as a benignant father who waits for his son to correct himself.
From Letters of Catherine Benincasa by Saint of Siena Catherine
