Collocations for "refrain"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "refrain" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
refrain
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- a [song, poem] refrain
- the refrain of the [song]
- a [haunting, sad, common, lively] refrain
- [sang, read out, recited, memorized] the refrain
- the refrain is repeated [twice, three times]
- the refrain occurs [twice]
- the [guitar, piano, violin] accompanies the refrain
- a [guitar] refrain
- is his constant refrain when [upset, angry, annoyed]
- is his typical refrain
- a (constant) refrain in the [party, press, media]
- has become her [constant, familiar, usual] refrain
- a common refrain from [students, parents, journalists, politicians]
- refrain from [smoking, drinking, asking]
- refrain for [now, a week, good]
- refrain out of [fear, courtesy, sportsmanship]
'refrain' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):