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 IAEA, which has small teams at Ukraine’s nuclear power plants to monitor the situation, has refrained from blaming either side for the attacks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 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

While Eluned Morgan has refrained from directly criticising the plans since their announcement in March, she is "worried" about their potential impact on Wales.

From BBC • May 5, 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

The editor has refrained from cross-references indicating a conflict of evidence, since this could not be made without exercising a judicial function into which biased opinion might creep.

From The Story of the Great War, Volume I (of 8) Introductions; Special Articles; Causes of War; Diplomatic and State Papers by Churchill, Allen L. (Allen Leon)