refrain

noun

Definition of refrainnext
as in chorus
a part of a song or hymn that is repeated every so often I didn't know the verses of the song, so I only sang on the refrain

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of refrain One of the frequent refrains from the past few days is that Infantino has been trying to sell something that does not belong to him. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 31 July 2026 But on The Blueprint, Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Bink made a habit of letting the singers from old R&B records wail away beneath Jay-Z’s verses, or croon refrains that Jay would talk back to and thread into his rhymes. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 14 July 2026 The common refrain was simple, that if a referee issues repeated warnings for fouls, at some point a point has to come off, or the warnings stop meaning anything. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Though not a common refrain for hopefuls looking to make what is considered one of the most elite teams in the NFL cheer world, Waller's situation is different from others. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for refrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refrain
chorus
Noun
  • There were more protests and counterprotests regarding transgender athletes around the United Center on Saturday, and Cunningham checked into the game to a mixed chorus of cheers and boos in the first quarter.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Bass joined the chorus of activists and local officials calling for the LAPD to end its relationship with the company outright.
    — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of chorus

Phrases Containing refrain

Browse Nearby Words

refractory
refrain
refrained (from)
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Cite this Entry

“Refrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refrain. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on refrain

Nglish: Translation of refrain for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about refrain

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