refrained

VERB

do without; keep from doing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abstain avoid cease curb desist forgo halt renounce resist restrain

STRONG

arrest check eschew forbear inhibit interrupt keep pass quit stop withhold

WEAK

be temperate give up go on the wagon leave off not do pass up sit out take the cure take the pledge

Antonyms

STRONGEST

carry on continue indulge keep on use

STRONG

aid allow assist encourage help let go release

WEAK

do go ahead jump in

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Citing a potential conflict of interest over her husband’s work in television, Raman refrained from voting on several motions related to Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

In the wake of the immigration raids last summer, many of their potential patrons refrained from hosting celebrations, dampening their business.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Before her resignation, House Democratic leaders had refrained from publicly criticising Cherfilus-McCormick, saying they would wait to see the ethics committee's recommendation.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

She ultimately refrained, only to see UConn win in a shocking last-minute upset.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

If you refrained from pressing, you would probably have reversed that decision if the stakes had been $10,000 vs. $9,500.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos