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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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for refrain (from)
avoid
Verb
-
The state transportation agency said drivers should avoid the area or use alternate routes.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026 -
The Texas Rangers avoided a complete meltdown to earn their first victory of the season, beating the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 in 10 innings Saturday at Philadelphia.—
Jim Barnes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
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“Refrain (from).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/refrain%20%28from%29. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
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