REFRAIN (FROM) Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

refrain (from)

verb

ri-ˈfrān

Definition of refrain (from)

as in to keep (from)

to resist the temptation of couldn't refrain from ruffling her nephew's neatly combed hair whenever she saw him

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for refrain (from)

avoid

Verb

City officials asked people to avoid the downtown area where police are investigating the shooting.

— Michael Loria, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Some China watchers, however, are keeping their expectations low, as both sides appear to be more interested in avoiding moves that would risk their current trade truce.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of avoid

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.

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Style

“Refrain (from).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refrain%20%28from%29. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of refrain (from)

verb

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