restrained

adjective

re·​strained ri-ˈstrānd How to pronounce restrained (audio)
: marked by restraint : not excessive or extravagant
restrainedly adverb

Examples of restrained in a Sentence

She was admired for her restrained behavior. a restrained style of architecture The room was decorated with restrained colors.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Madison plays Ani with her heart incrementally open and then slammed shut, her emotions playing out all over her face; Borisov is more laconic and more restrained. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024 In the first half of the City game, Palmer seemed more restrained in his starting position wide on the right, illustrated by the touch map below. Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 28 Aug. 2024 Finally, the treble was so smooth and restrained, never straying into sibilance or even a hint of distortion. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Chaplin’s vivid yet restrained photos (from vineyards in Napa Valley, France’s Burgundy region, Lebanon and elsewhere) pair with Menin’s clear explanations about how and why wine grapes respond to climate changes. Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for restrained 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of restrained was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near restrained

Cite this Entry

“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restrained. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

restrained

adjective
re·​strained ri-ˈstrānd How to pronounce restrained (audio)
: marked by restraint : showing careful control
restrainedly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on restrained

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!