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 If Trump follows through on his promised sidelining of civil servants, there will be nothing to restrain his appetite for chaos. —

Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2024 Thompson threw Herro to the ground by his jersey with just 36 seconds left in the game, and multiple people — including Houston coach Ime Udoka — had to be restrained in the ensuing fracas. —

Chris Branch, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 If Moscow’s threats worked against the alliance-friendly President Joe Biden, then Pyongyang’s will very likely restrain the nationalist, transactional Trump. —

Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024 As those on set prepared to shoot the scene, the wolves had to be restrained from Hoult. —

Rachel Raposas, People.com, 25 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for restrain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain

Verb

Ayurvedic practitioners have claimed that oil pulling can reduce plaque, prevent gingivitis, and regulate bad breath per a 2014 Vogue article, and the practice remains relevant a decade later.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025
But TikTok has fought the law at every turn, arguing that the U.S. government is overstepping its bounds by attempting to regulate foreign ownership of a private company.

— Nik Popli, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025