restrain

verb

ri-ˈstrān How to pronounce restrain (audio)
Definition of restrainnext
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

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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

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb restrain contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of restrain are bridle, check, and curb. While all these words mean "to hold back from or control in doing something," restrain suggests holding back by force or persuasion from acting or from going to extremes.

restrained themselves from laughing

When could bridle be used to replace restrain?

The words bridle and restrain can be used in similar contexts, but bridle implies keeping under control by subduing or holding in.

bridle an impulse to throw the book down

When can check be used instead of restrain?

The words check and restrain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, check implies restraining or impeding a progress, activity, or impetus.

trying to check government spending

Where would curb be a reasonable alternative to restrain?

Although the words curb and restrain have much in common, curb suggests an abrupt or drastic checking.

learn to curb your appetite

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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
  1. regulate
  2. arrest
  3. control
  4. seize
  5. contain
  6. grab
  7. curb
  8. apprehend
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
Definition of regulate
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
  • Two people are dead and a man who held Sacramento police at bay for hours before surrendering early Friday has been arrested in the slayings.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of arrest
Verb
  • Boone was asked if Chisholm needs to find a better way to control his emotions.
    — Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Finding new ways to control blood sugar was the perfect test case.
    — Alice Park, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of control
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
  • No law in this country permits the president to seize federal funds and to just keep them until an institution complies with his personal will.
    — Destinee Adams, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of seize
Verb
  • After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Fires were contained, and no casualties were reported.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of contain
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Metcalf grabbed Anthony and again told him to get from under the team’s tent, then Anthony pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest before running away, the witness said.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of grab
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of curb
Verb
  • Secret Service apprehended another suspect, weeks later, Ryan Routh, who was armed on a golf course where Trump was playing.
    — Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Police apprehended 38-year-old Cody Balmer in connection with the incident, and search warrants alleged that the suspect admitted to the crimes.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of apprehend

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restoring
restrain
restrained
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Cite this Entry

“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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