refrain
verb (used without object)
to abstain from an impulse to say or do something (often followed byfrom ).
refrains
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pluralof refrain.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof refrain (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
refrainverb (used without object)to abstain from an impulse to say or do something (often followed byfrom ).
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.
There is something genuinely quite heartbreaking about watching Panettiere, a young woman just coming to understand Hollywood industry standards, repeat the sickly refrains of a similarly demanding profession.
From Salon ● Aug. 18, 2026
Stilwell, who refrains from sharing his first name, operates on Catalina Island, a dumping ground for officers who’ve either botched cases or run afoul of their superiors.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026
“This proposal is decidedly neutral and refrains from saying that any asset class is any better or worse than other investment types.”
From Barron's ● Mar. 30, 2026
“This proposal is decidedly neutral and refrains from saying that any asset class is any better or worse than other investment types, as the law requires,” said U.S.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 30, 2026
If the song was being done properly, with both a man and a woman alternating the verses, the song was further complicated by the female’s counter harmony in the refrains.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
