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
Relevance
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of restrain
Far from being mere congenial partnerships, most nineteenth- and twentieth-century alliances were complex and multipurpose arrangements used by great powers to restrain, control, and influence other purportedly friendly states.
—
Nicholas Mulder, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
Shortly before the murders, Mary had gotten a second domestic violence restraining order against him, in December.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025
The slots on the door were used by the sheriffs for security measures such as restraining us with handcuffs before opening the door and to feed us with food on trays or in a cup.
—James L. Dold, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2025
Elizabeth refuses the treatment, but is forcefully restrained while the doctor administers the first shot.
—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrain
Nicholas Mulder, Foreign Affairs, 6 Mar. 2025
Shortly before the murders, Mary had gotten a second domestic violence restraining order against him, in December.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025
The slots on the door were used by the sheriffs for security measures such as restraining us with handcuffs before opening the door and to feed us with food on trays or in a cup.
—James L. Dold, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2025
Elizabeth refuses the treatment, but is forcefully restrained while the doctor administers the first shot.
—Matt Cabral, EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for restrain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrain
Verb
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The outcome and the broader legal strategy behind the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications not only for Brazil but for any country or region – such as the European Union – attempting to regulate online spaces.—
Camille Grenier,
The Conversation,
21 Mar. 2025
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The Bloomberg News film includes interviews with parents involved in efforts to secure wins in the courts and the halls of power in Washington D.C. to regulate social media platforms.—
Etan Vlessing,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The 39-year-old rapper, whose legal name is Johnny Reed McKinzie, was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department at 5:20 p.m. in the 13000 block of East 115th Street, according to a department spokesperson.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2025
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Victoria, 32, was arrested March 6 on charges of solicitation to commit murder and conspiracy to commit murder, according to Clark County inmate records.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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From the outset, the premise of Monstress and its tale is a dire one: imagine a 1900s alternative universe controlled by a cruel matriarchal society in Asia.—
Tiffany Leigh,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
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Online spaces can be moderated and controlled, and Dr. Green says that LGBTQ+ youth are highly attuned to these attributes.—
Taylor Grothe,
Parents,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The area around the strait in the past has seen Iran seize commercial ships and purportedly launch attacks since President Donald Trump first unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers.—
Graham Underwood,
arkansasonline.com,
12 Mar. 2025
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Trump’s executive order about seized bitcoin mostly stayed within executive purview, but bigger moves will demand broader buy-in.—
Dave Birnbaum,
Forbes,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Another, the Jacked Up sandwich, contains jalapenos, cheese, bacon and sauces.—
Jason Dill,
Miami Herald,
15 Mar. 2025
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Firefighters have largely contained the most severe blazes, but fire risk remains high in parts of the region.—
Kiley Price,
WIRED,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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He’s minimized the walks, partly due to his willingness to use his curveball early in counts for strikes to get ahead and grab count leverage.—
Fabian Ardaya,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
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Oh my God, so amazing to grab that artist for Charlotte. ...—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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This type of misinformation will not curb or mitigate the spread of measles.—
Omer Awan,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
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Apple cider vinegar for blood pressure is a popular home remedy, and it's also thought to help lower blood sugar, curb hunger, and promote weight loss.—
Yvelette Stines,
Verywell Health,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Such actions can be more effective in apprehending criminal suspects then notifying, waiting for, and hoping for a timely response from the police.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Mar. 2025
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Zoom in: The motion focuses on 22 people apprehended in the Midwest since Trump took office.—
Monica Eng,
Axios,
14 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Restrain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrain. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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