as in muted
not excessively showy
a restrained but elegant black purse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in controlled
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrested
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of restrained
Ashley Bardhan, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025
Angel Garcia / Bloomberg via Getty Images Though Trudeau has already announced retaliatory Canadian tariffs on a variety of American goods, China has been more restrained.
—Alexander Smith, NBC News, 3 Feb. 2025
Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for restrained 
Adjective
This improvement to sound also makes the restrained snarl of Naked Snake’s voice have an even better bite.
—Ashley Bardhan, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2025
Angel Garcia / Bloomberg via Getty Images Though Trudeau has already announced retaliatory Canadian tariffs on a variety of American goods, China has been more restrained.
—Alexander Smith, NBC News, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
He was eventually restrained by the patrons.
—Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 5 Jan. 2025
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
—Natalie Demaree, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for restrained
Recent Examples of Synonyms for restrained
Adjective
-
Available in both a cheerful yellow daffodil and a muted pastel lavender, this handbag can add a vibrant statement to your outfit or a subtle pop of color.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Lenna Denim Sand Area Rug Vintage lovers should consider this smaller rug, with a retro-looking framed pattern featuring muted tans, deep blues, and burgundy accents.—
Shea Simmons,
People.com,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
After a five-day manhunt, Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania, found with a gun matching the one used in the shooting and a fake ID.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
-
With a new haircut, Mangione agreed to be extradited to New York from Pennsylvania on Thursday after he was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Chelsea have been through so much change over the last three years that a more subdued window may not be such a bad thing.—
Simon Johnson,
The Athletic,
6 Feb. 2025
-
Apple continues to generate chatter for its landmark 1984 commercial that shows an athlete hurling a sledgehammer at propaganda video, waking citizens from a subdued state.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Currently, the disposal of wind turbine waste is regulated by the localities and states hosting wind turbine projects.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Dietary supplements are minimally regulated by the FDA and may or may not be suitable for you.—
Amy Fischer MS, RD,
Health,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Before Hamas seized full control of Gaza in 2007, Christians would often place a large Christmas tree near a major square in Gaza City.—
Aaron Boxerman,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Adebayo did not force his offense, in a game where there was little for the Heat to have to counter in the middle, but then seized control with his scoring late.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Amidst a sea of partygoers in wild outfits galore, Zoë Kravitz reminded us that sometimes breaking the rules can be a quiet act.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Oh, and there’s no prize, except the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Jabbar's truck contained an ISIS flag.—
Joey Garrison,
USA TODAY,
3 Jan. 2025
-
Many of the posts contained hateful messages about Muslim Americans, the same type of bigotry O'Reilly had fought against.—
Niraj Warikoo,
Detroit Free Press,
3 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Multiple officers grabbed Kerley and attempted to take him to the ground.—
Zach Powell,
The Athletic,
4 Jan. 2025
-
On their way out the door, Kinch grabbed the pistol and placed it in the console of his truck.—
Joshua Kaplan,
ProPublica,
4 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near restrained
Cite this Entry
“Restrained.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/restrained. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
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