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
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Recent Examples of restrain
At times, the boy was restrained and choked and assaulted in his dorm room bed.
—
Richard Winton
follow, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
But American courts have long been viewed as anti-democratic in that, unlike Congress or the president, their role is not to further the will of the majority but to restrain it when that will leads to actions that violate constitutional protections.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025
There have been no recorded shoe bombings, in the sky or on the ground, since passengers and crew subdued and restrained Reid on that 2001 flight.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
Crew members and passengers noticed and restrained him.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrain
Richard Winton
follow, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
But American courts have long been viewed as anti-democratic in that, unlike Congress or the president, their role is not to further the will of the majority but to restrain it when that will leads to actions that violate constitutional protections.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025
There have been no recorded shoe bombings, in the sky or on the ground, since passengers and crew subdued and restrained Reid on that 2001 flight.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
Crew members and passengers noticed and restrained him.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
Verb
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These entities have proliferated ever since the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case, which effectively struck down longtime campaign finance regulations that sought to limit and regulate spending on political campaigns.—
M.L. Elrick,
Freep.com,
21 July 2025
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In every case, the central question judges have had to decide is whether local or state governments can be allowed to essentially regulate air emissions, which have always been regulated at the national level for compelling reasons.—
David Blackmon,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
Verb
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Muse, 29, was arrested June 24, 2024, on allegations of inappropriate conduct with children at the Fort Worth private school.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 July 2025
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In late December 2022, Bryan was arrested at his parents' — Maryann and Michael's — Pennsylvania home in connection with the murders of four University of Idaho students who were killed the previous month.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The home country of this dark and enduring masterpiece from 1985 is the eerily-retrograde Republic of Gilead, in which women who once held jobs and led independent lives are now strictly controlled and monitored, valued only for their ovaries and their obedience.—
Dan Fesperman
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
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Like her biblical namesake, Ruth is loyal and steadfast to her friend, while Maria is independent and creative, often controlling the narrative of their relationship and even determining their future trajectories: Maria is an extrovert, so Ruth must be an introvert.—
Bekah Waalkes,
The Atlantic,
22 July 2025
Verb
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Investigators noted that one of the devices that was seized could not be examined because it was encrypted, the warrant affidavit said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
22 July 2025
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Marino revealed to This American Life that during the early days of filming the reality show, Butler approached him about selling large amounts of marijuana that had been seized in drug raids by Wielsch.—
Lynsey Eidell,
People.com,
22 July 2025
Verb
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The fruit contains a high water content and has many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Southern Living,
25 July 2025
-
The initial headline in the story contained incorrect information .—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
25 July 2025
Verb
-
Leave your troubles behind and grab a lime, because Thursday is National Tequila Day.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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Concerned, the roommates grabbed golf clubs from one of the first-floor bedrooms and checked the house for a possible intruder.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The justices are curbing judicial activism, not endorsing executive lawlessness.—
Andrew C. McCarthy,
National Review,
12 July 2025
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In response, Carney vowed to defend Canadian economic interests and reaffirmed Canada's commitment to cooperative efforts with Washington, including curbing the fentanyl crisis.—
Jordan King
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have apprehended a teacher who allegedly overstayed his visa.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
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The forums proved useful in 2019, when the public learned the sheriff’s office had cooperated with ICE to allow its agents to enter private areas in county jails and apprehend immigrants in detention.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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