refrain

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 Start by meeting the poem and learning its refrain. Natasha Frost, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 And one product that's a constant refrain in my house is the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 28 Apr. 2025 This refrain also applied to the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, when the U.S. economy and stock market far outperformed its international peers (see chart below). Nick Sargen, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 Today your goal is to master that wonderful refrain. A.o. Scott, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for refrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refrain
chorus
Noun
  • Kimberly Douglas, an Illinois whose 17-year-old son died of an overdose in 2023, credited the growing chorus of grieving mothers.
    Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • Kimberly Douglas, an Illinois woman whose 17-year-old son died of an overdose in 2023, credited the growing chorus of grieving mothers.
    Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Refrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refrain. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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