1
as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
the victim's family members were unable to restrain their emotions upon hearing the verdict
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
the suspect was restrained and taken to an undisclosed location
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of restrain
The Chinese government restrains the free flow of capital through measures such as controls on inbound and outbound investments and restrictions on international bank transfers.
—
Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
The vibe is more old-world social club than cigar lounge: rich in atmosphere, restrained in execution.
—Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
The state’s strongest piece of evidence against Pratt was his DNA found on a roll of duct tape that was used to restrain the victims.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
Hansi Flick was seen restraining the Brazilian, who headed down the tunnel clearly enraged.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrain
Edward Fishman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025
The vibe is more old-world social club than cigar lounge: rich in atmosphere, restrained in execution.
—Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
The state’s strongest piece of evidence against Pratt was his DNA found on a roll of duct tape that was used to restrain the victims.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
Hansi Flick was seen restraining the Brazilian, who headed down the tunnel clearly enraged.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
Verb
-
College leaders don’t want to recognize the athletes as employees, but that comes at a cost: NCAA attempts to regulate the market in arguably logical ways swiftly face antitrust lawsuits.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Through its Kigali Amendment, the treaty now also targets powerful climate-warming gases. CITES continues to regulate international wildlife trade, curbing the exploitation of endangered species and protecting biodiversity across the planet.—
Ingmar Rentzhog,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
During the court hearing, the Florida Highway Patrol was the only agency mentioned as an arresting agency in those cases, including the one of the U.S. citizen.—
Ana Ceballos,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Abrego Garcia’s attorneys say he was given no information about why he was arrested, but a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) form said he was arrested in connection with a murder investigation.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Boone was asked if Chisholm needs to find a better way to control his emotions.—
Chris Kirschner,
New York Times,
18 Apr. 2025
-
At the heart of the book is the recognition that almost all of the Sturm und Drang of the most destructive century in history has revolved around one place -- the Eurasian landmass -- and one issue: who controls it.—
John Hillen,
National Review,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
These results suggest that media-savvy Democrats who seize this moment to call out Trump and the MAGA agenda could put themselves in a strong position to become the next leader of the Democratic Party.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Big little Liechtenstein Soon after the Castro brothers seized power in 1959, at the height of the Cold War as the globe was falling into capitalist or communist camps, a complete U.S. trade embargo sought to choke the Cuban economy and bring about regime change.—
Kevin G. Hall,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The guests-only 14th floor contains the outdoor pool—stretched along the building’s edge with bang-on skyline views—and the Living Room, a clubhouse where Capella hosts events like an Evening Ritual hour with complimentary cocktails and canapés.—
Travis Levius,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt contains 17 grams of protein in a three-quarter cup serving.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
-
So grab a pencil, a few colors or a coloring book and enjoy your boosted brain power.—
Ann Kowal Smith,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
To curb emotional monitoring, work on trying to let go of the urge to predict or fix every emotional shift in your partner.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Residents in the Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria areas are being asked to change their daily routines to help curb air pollution, following an Ozone Action Day declaration for Wednesday, April 9, by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Police believed Jones was armed with a gun during the events that led to Reynolds’ death, but no gun was found when he was apprehended.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
-
He was apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a five-day search.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share