Synonyms of restrain

restrain

verb

ri-ˈstrān 

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

• regulate
• control
• contain
• curb
• keep
• stifle
• suppress
• constrain
• inhibit
• tame
• measure
• govern
• hold
• check
• stop
• rule
• pull in
• bridle
• repress
• rein (in)
• interrupt
• impede
• hinder
• swallow
• strangle
• smother
• obstruct
• choke (back)
• arrest
• hamper
• hold back
• muffle
• squelch
• block
• silence
• sink
• mince
• bottle (up)
• handcuff
• pocket
• muzzle
• gag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lose
• liberate
• loosen
• express
• loose
• take out
• unleash
• vent
• air

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

• arrest
• seize
• grab
• apprehend
• detain
• capture
• run in
• commit
• pinch
• pull in
• snatch
• nab
• confine
• nail
• catch
• jail
• imprison
• nick
• bust
• pick up
• incarcerate
• collar
• trap
• bind
• grapple
• snare
• snap (up)
• hold
• hook
• land
• lock (up)
• get
• handcuff
• fetter
• enchain
• shackle
• immure
• bag
• trammel
• remand
• manacle
• intern
• rearrest
• jug

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• liberate
• loosen
• release
• free
• emancipate
• loose
• spring
• unbind
• unchain

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

Recent Examples of restrain

Court officers quickly restrained Ryan Routh and pulled him from the courtroom. —Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025

Speed’s security frequently restrained people who were blocking his path or grabbing at him. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 2025

Darcy said that when a person is resisting officers, their knowledge of the person having pre-existing medical conditions is not enough to prevent them from restraining someone combative. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2025

The implicit message, heard clearly by the market, is that policy makers will be quicker to support growth than to restrain it proactively to inhibit inflation. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2025