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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refrain (from)
avoid
Verb
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Manhattan matchup The two super PAC networks have largely shied away from producing ads that mention AI and have mostly chosen to avoid competing against each other in the same races.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026 -
Drivers are being advised to take alternate routes and to avoid the area.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
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“Refrain (from).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refrain%20%28from%29. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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