RESTRAIN Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

restrain

verb

ri-ˈstrān

Definition of restrain next

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

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

Examples 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 Third, Trump during his first term was restrained by calmer voices that are unlikely to get a place at the table during a second term. —

Jacob Sullum, Orange County Register, 31 Oct. 2024 One construction worker used duct tape to restrain him until Glendale police officers arrived. —

Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 25 Oct. 2024 Witnesses say Neely was acting erratically on the train on May 1, 2023, when Penny moved to restrain him. —

Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 While no longer a member of the EU, Britain has also sought to restrain Israel’s behavior, most recently by considering sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers. —

Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for restrain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain

Verb

The issue of whether and how the FCC should regulate internet providers’ carriage of different sites, services, and apps did not come up in the 2024 campaign, but Republicans have consistently opposed net-neutrality regulations.

Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 6 Nov. 2024
These naturally occurring hormones play crucial roles in regulating insulin, appetite and metabolism.

Jackie Snow, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024