Abstain and Refrain

Abstain

Abstain verb - Choose not to consume.
Usage example: I abstain from alcohol

Refrain is a synonym for abstain in action topic. In some cases you can use "Refrain" instead a verb "Abstain", when it comes to topics like restraint, skip, hold back from doing. popular alternative

Refrain

Refrain verb - Choose not to consume.

Abstain is a synonym for refrain in action topic. You can use "Abstain" instead a verb "Refrain", if it concerns topics such as stop, restraint, skip, do without. popular alternative

Nearby Words: refrained, refraining

Both words in one sentence

  • Against My Religion Many also abstain from meat and alcoholic drinks due to this trope; SDA members who do eat meat refrain from eating meats listed as forbidden in Leviticus 11 (particularly pork or pork-made products).
Cite this Source
Refrain and Abstain. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/abstain/refrain
Abstain & Refrain. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/abstain/refrain>.
Refrain or Abstain. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/abstain/refrain.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "abstain" and "refrain" have occurred on timeline