refrain

1 of 2

verb

re·​frain ri-ˈfrān How to pronounce refrain (audio)
refrained; refraining; refrains
Synonyms of refrain

transitive verb

archaic : curb, restrain

intransitive verb

: to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse
refrained from having dessert
refrainment
ri-ˈfrān-mənt How to pronounce refrain (audio)
noun

refrain

2 of 2

noun

1
: a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : chorus
also : the musical setting of a refrain
2
: a comment or statement that is often repeated

Synonyms of refrain

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Verb

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of refrain in a Sentence

Verb I was going to make a joke but I refrained. Noun A common refrain among teachers these days is that the schools need more funding. I didn't know the verses of the song, so I only sang on the refrain.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The United States refrained from hitting back against Hezbollah and its Iranian and Syrian sponsors, and in February 1984, Reagan withdrew American forces altogether. — Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 6 Aug. 2026 Instead, call a healthcare provider immediately and refrain from going to a healthcare facility without calling first. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
But a common refrain, for Hastings and others, is that developers aren’t adhering to the spirit of the comprehensive plan and could be mischaracterizing their intentions. — Rose Evans august 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Aug. 2026 Throughout the campaign, Stevens argued that El-Sayed would not be able to defeat Rogers, a refrain some moderates repeated Wednesday. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for refrain

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle — more at frenum

Noun

Middle English refreyn, from Middle French refrain, alteration of Old French refrait melody, response, from past participle of refraindre to break up, moderate, from Vulgar Latin *refrangere, alteration of Latin refringere — more at refract

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of refrain was in the 14th century

Rhymes for refrain

See All Rhymes for refrain

Browse Nearby Words

refractory ware
refrain
refraination
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refrain. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

refrain

1 of 2 verb
re·​frain ri-ˈfrān How to pronounce refrain (audio)
: to hold oneself back
refrain from laughing

refrain

2 of 2 noun
: a regularly repeated phrase or verse of a poem or song : chorus

More from Merriam-Webster on refrain

Nglish: Translation of refrain for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about refrain

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