223 Another Word for Refrain? – Refrain Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say refrain differently? Here are other words for refrain and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of refrain

The primary meaning of the word "refrain" is to stop oneself from doing something.

Etymology of refrain

The word "refrain" originated from Old French "refrain", from "refrener", which is a combination of "re-" (meaning "again" or "anew") and "frener" (meaning "to bridle" or "to curb"), and from Latin "refrenare", which is a combination of "re-" and "frenare" (meaning "to bridle" or "to curb")
Historically, the word "refrain" has been used since the 15th century to mean "to hold back" or "to restrain", and its meaning has evolved over time to include the sense of "to stop oneself from doing something"

Synonyms

desist cease stop halt abstain avoid forbear relinquish surrender yield resist decline refuse reject deny renounce abandon quit leave forsake shun eschew evade dodge elude sidestep circumvent avert divert deviate depart withdraw retract recant repeal rescind annul void negate cancel omit exclude except spare exempt waive forgo forego relinquish surrender cede concede give up lay off drop discontinue break interrupt suspend postpone delay protract stay restrain restrain restrict curb check bridle rein regulate moderate temper control contain suppress stifle smother choke strangulate

Definitions

  • To stop oneself from doing something, especially something that you want to do
  • * A phrase or verse repeated regularly, especially in a song or poem
  • * To choose not to do something, or to stop doing something

Usage Examples

  • She tried to refrain from eating too much cake
  • * The refrain of the song was catchy and easy to remember
  • * He had to refrain from commenting on the situation

Antonyms

indulge give in succumb surrender yield submit comply acquiesce agree assent consent concur participate engage join undertake pursue continue proceed persist persevere insist persist carry on go on keep on repeat resume restart revive renew restore reactivate reinstate

Related Adjectives

musical melodic harmonious rhythmic poetic lyrical vocal instrumental choral orchestral symphonic operatic dramatic expressive emotional passionate intense fervent enthusiastic eager excited thrilled ecstatic elevated inspired creative imaginative innovative original unique distinctive characteristic typical traditional conventional classical modern contemporary

Related Nouns

melody harmony verse chorus song poem music rhythm beat tune lyric line phrase stanza hymn anthem psalm canticle carol lullaby serenade aria cavatina duet trio quartet quintet chorus choir orchestra band ensemble refrain coda finale

Related Verbs

sing play perform recite repeat reiterate echo reecho resound reverberate resonate vibrate oscillate pulsate quiver tremble shudder shiver thrill excite stimulate inspire motivate instigate provoke prompt cue signal indicate suggest imply hint allude refer cite quote
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